The Russian State Duma has ratified the protocol on Russia's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) by 238 affirmative votes (pro-Kremlin United Russia) with 208 negative votes of opposition parties.
The upper house, Federation Council said it would be ready to ratify the protocol on July 18, if by that time the State Duma approves the document.
The protocol was signed on December 16, 2011. Under the federal law "On International Agreements" the document is subject to ratification and in accordance with the terms of accession to the WTO, this procedure must be completed before July 23, 2012, after which Russia will become a full member of the organization.