Russia's decision to seek the adoption of the WTO, together with Belarus and Kazakhstan risks complicate negotiations on accession to the organization, wrote Thursday in an American newspaper Wall Street Journal.

It has been 16 years since Russia has applied for entry into the World Trade Organization, and, apparently, its adoption is not in sight. Russia's decision, taken last Thursday to withdraw a personal application and instead try to join in of a joint customs union with Belarus and Kazakhstan in 2010, is the first of its kind, a request could delay the talks for another few years , - says the article.

According to The Wall Street Journal, such steps Russia - is another sign of how far from ready to go, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, to restore the political power of Russia's near abroad, regardless of economic consequences.

According to the publication, the new customs union will continue to strengthen the rule of Russia in the region. It is less violent than the attack in Moscow to Georgia, and less honest than the favorite occupation of Russia to stop gas deliveries to Europe in mid-winter, but the concept remains the same .

The newspaper believes that Russia under the present conditions is needed to members of the WTO the benefits of free trade. On the other hand, the Kremlin keeps the economy firmly in the hands, especially the energy sector. Kremlin may worry that if Russia would join now, the country will have to adopt the practice of liberal trade and to stop subsidizing some of its old industries .