Belgium’s PM says country supports ban on Russian diamonds as part of sanctions

Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky, left, has repeatedly asked for such a move (Yves Herman, Pool Photo via AP)

Belgium’s prime minister said his country, which has the biggest interest in the global diamond trade in the European Union, is supporting a ban on Russian diamonds as part of sanctions targeting President Vladimir Putin’s government for its war against Ukraine.

The announcement came during Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Brussels on Wednesday. He has repeatedly asked for such a move since the start of Russia’s invasion in February 2022.