EU puts Russian diamond giant Alrosa on “blacklist”

The European Union (EU) on January 3 imposed sanctions on the Russian diamond giant Alrosa and its CEO, as part of a ban on imports of gemstones from Russia due to the war in Ukraine.

Specifically, the 27-nation bloc added Alrosa, the world's largest diamond mining company, and its CEO, Pavel Marinychev, to its "blacklist" of companies subject to visa bans and asset freezes in the EU.

In December 2023, the EU agreed to ban the import, purchase, or transfer of natural and synthetic diamonds from Russia. This ban was part of the EU's long-awaited 12th package of sanctions against Moscow since President Vladimir Putin launched his special military operation in Ukraine.

The import ban will take effect on March 1st, initially covering diamonds and jewelry originating from Russia and expanding to include lab-grown diamonds and diamond-encrusted watches from September 1st.

This ban is part of a broader effort coordinated between the EU and G7 countries to further cripple Russian state revenue and to somewhat reduce the Kremlin's "war chest."

PJSC Alrosa, owned by the Russian state, accounts for 90% of Moscow's diamond production, totaling approximately $4 billion in 2022.

"This company is an important part of the economic sector that is generating significant revenue for the Russian Federation government," the EU said in a statement.

Since Russia deployed troops to Ukraine in February 2022, approximately 1,950 individuals and entities have been sanctioned by the EU, reaffirming the bloc's unwavering commitment to continuing its support for Ukraine and its people for as long as it can .

Minh Duc (According to Euronews, RFE/RL)

Source: https://www.nguoiduatin.vn/eu-dua-ga-khong-lo-kim-cuong-nga-alrosa-vao-danh-sach-den-a643772.html