State Department and European Commission Engage Diamond Industry to Discuss Next Steps on Russian Diamonds

MEDIA NOTE

OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON

MARCH 6, 2023

Today, Ambassador James O’Brien joined Deputy Director General and Chief Trade Enforcement Officer Denis Redonnet of the European Commission to discuss with the U.S. and European offices of leading diamond retailers, manufacturers, laboratories, and industry trade associations the importance of the diamond industry’s engagement on future Russia-related import measures, including on polished diamonds, as noted in the recent G7 Leaders’ Statement. Russia continues to earn billions of dollars from the diamond trade, and the discussion centered on the most effective and impactful ways to disrupt that revenue stream. The United States and European Union remain committed to imposing economic consequences on Russia for its unprovoked war in Ukraine.

U.S. State Department Press Release