Ukraine calls on the world to recognize Russian diamonds as “blood diamonds”.

Ukraine, the USA, EU countries, Canada, and other Western countries demand that Russian diamonds be recognized as “blood diamonds” or “conflict diamonds”. A letter from the US State Department addressed to the head of the Kimberley process emphasizes that the proceeds from selling Russian precious stones go to support the war in Ukraine, writes the NYT. Designating Russian diamonds with this status in countries that participate in the Kimberley Process was considered in June but was blocked by Russia, Belarus, China, among other countries. The USA, Canada, and the UK have banned the import of many types of diamonds from the Russian Federation. However, American sanctions have a big loophole. They apply only to Russian rough diamonds. However, most Russian diamonds end up in polishing centers in India, where sanctions are not in effect.