G7 Leaders Agree to Restrict Import of Russian Diamonds
Leaders of the G7 countries reached an agreement on Wednesday, December 6, to impose restrictions on the import of Russian diamonds from next year as part of escalating sanctions against the Russian Federation due to its invasion of Ukraine. This was stated in a joint statement by the G7 leaders following an online summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as reported by France 24.
"We will impose restrictions on the import of non-industrial diamonds, extracted, processed, or manufactured in Russia, by January 1, 2024," stated the G7 leaders. Representatives of the G7 also noted that this involves a phased implementation of restrictions on the import of Russian diamonds that have undergone processing in third countries. The tentative date for the implementation of restrictions is March 1 of the next year. It is stated in the statement that a "reliable mechanism for the verification and certification of unprocessed diamonds within the G7" will be established by the beginning of September 2024.
"Our commitment to supporting Ukraine in its struggle for independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity will never waver," added the G7.
In his address to the G7 leaders, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the importance of Western unity, stating that Russia is counting on its absence. "Russia hopes only for one thing – that next year, the consolidation of the world will crumble. Russia believes that America and Europe will show weakness and will not maintain support for Ukraine at the proper level. Putin believes that the free world will not enforce its own sanctions," said Zelensky.
The new restrictions will complement a series of sanctions already imposed by the United States and other countries against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. Previous sanctions targeted finances, technology imports, and energy exports.
It is worth noting that on Wednesday, it was also revealed that the United Kingdom has introduced a new package of sanctions aimed at a range of individuals and entities aiding Russia in its aggressive war against Ukraine. The list includes 46 Russian defense companies, private individuals, as well as companies from Belarus, China, Serbia, Turkey, the UAE, and Uzbekistan. This information is posted on the official government portal of the United Kingdom.
The list also includes three organizations supporting the "Wagner" network, including the neo-Nazi group "Rusich," which is involved in combat operations in Ukraine. In addition, the list includes four shipping companies from the UAE that are part of the so-called "shadow fleet" used by Russia to transport oil in circumvention of sanctions.