OREANDA-NEWS The European Commission, trying to impose a ban on the sale of diamonds from Russia, wants to cause economic damage to the country, but Moscow will ensure its interests in these conditions, said Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin.

Earlier, Agence France-Presse reported that the European Commission approved its proposal to ban the sale of diamonds from Russia and will send it to the EU member states for consideration, if they unanimously approve it in the coming days.

"In this way, they want to infringe on our interests and limit export revenues, to cause the very economic damage that, in their opinion, may lead to the weakening of Russia," Pankin told reporters.

"It seems that the structure of the market and sensible counterparties in this market will think how to ensure their interests in these conditions, and we will ensure our own," he added.

Earlier, the head of EU diplomacy, Josep Borrel, and the European Commission presented their proposal for the 12th package of anti-Russian sanctions to the Council, he is expected to include new lists of personal restrictions from more than 120 defendants, as well as new export sanctions, including on diamonds, measures to tighten control over Russian oil prices and steps on "countering circumvention of EU sanctions".