The Kremlin warned on Tuesday that Russia would “circumvent” new sanctions imposed by the European Union (EU) on the lucrative trade in Russian diamonds, which Brussels says is a source of funding for Russia’s offensive against Ukraine, AFP reported, News reported. .ro.

Western countries have imposed a significant number of economic sanctions against Moscow since the invasion of Ukraine almost two years ago.

On Monday, the EU adopted the 12th package of measures of this type, which prohibits the import of Russian diamonds.

EU member states approved the new package on Friday on the sidelines of a European summit, but it was not formally adopted due to Austria’s reservations on Monday.

The ban applies, on the one hand, to both natural and synthetic diamonds, as well as jewelry – starting from January – and, on the other hand, to Russian diamonds cut in other countries – starting from September 2024.

Kremlin spokesman Dmytro Peskov said on Tuesday that the ban was “foreseeable” and that the sector was “prepared”.

“I think there are opportunities to circumvent these sanctions. They are and will be implemented (…) to ensure our interests,” he assured.

Russian President Vladimir Putin regularly notes that these sanctions cannot bring the Russian economy to its knees, and points to the growth of Russian GDP.

But inflation is high and the state is propping up industry with military orders, while Russia faces a labor shortage after sending hundreds of thousands to the front and others fleeing the country.

Moscow is accused of financing part of its military campaign against Ukraine thanks to the lucrative diamond trade, which amounts to 4-5 billion dollars a year, according to AFP.

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