G7 announces new sanctions on Russian diamonds to be implemented next year

According to reports from Reuters and AFP, the G7 plans to ban the direct import of Russian diamonds from January 1, 2024, and gradually restrict the import of Russian diamonds processed in third countries starting from March 1. This move was made after a video conference between G7 leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during which Zelensky warned that the unity of Western countries was at risk of collapse.

G7 stated in its declaration that it will impose import restrictions on non-industrial diamonds mined, processed, or produced in Russia, with plans to establish a traceability-based verification and certification mechanism for rough diamonds by early September. This restriction is the latest in a series of sanctions imposed by Western countries on Russia, aiming to pressure Russia in the areas of financial institutions, technology imports, and energy exports.

In response, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the new sanctions had been discussed for months, and Russian diamond mining companies were aware of all the risks they faced and were working to hedge these risks.

At the same time, Russian President Vladimir Putin made a lightning visit to the UAE and Saudi Arabia on the 6th. The talks covered issues such as oil policies, the Russia - Ukraine conflict, and the Israel - Palestine conflict. This action has attracted widespread attention from international media. According to the US CNBC website, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are important trading partners of Russia, remaining neutral in the Russia - Ukraine conflict and refusing to adopt Western - led sanctions against Russia.

In addition, since the outbreak of the Ukraine crisis, the EU has implemented a series of economic sanctions, significantly reducing its exports to Russia. However, these sanctions have also had a backlash effect on Europe, leading to a tense supply situation in Europe, soaring energy and commodity prices, and a significant increase in imports.

G7s new sanctions on Russian diamonds once again highlight the international communitys focus on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its determination to exert economic pressure on Russia. This also demonstrates the complex interplay between multilateral sanctions and bilateral relations in the global geopolitical landscape.