(IDEX Online) - Alrosa has suspended its membership Natural Diamond Council (NDC) and relinquished its position as as vice chair of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.It said it hoped the industry would stand strong during "this tough time" and that the situation would soon stabilize.The NDC, an alliance of the world's leading diamond producers, is funded by Alrosa and other big miners.Its CEO David Kellie said: "We are confident that Alrosa will continue to follow its outlined commitments to being a socially responsible business conducted according to the industry's best practices and high standards. We wish the company the quickest resolution of all the difficulties encountered."Peter Karakchiev, Alroasa's head of international relations, was elected as RJC's vice chairman at its 2018 annual general meeting in Moscow. He has voluntarily stepped down and temporarily left the board of directors at RJC, the leading standards organisation of the global jewelry and watch industry with 1,500 member companies in 71 countries.RJC Chair David Bouffard, said: "Like so many, we are deeply saddened by the geopolitical situation in connection with the Ukraine crisis. "The RJC team will support our 1,500 international members with guidance to comply to all applicable sanctions."Pic courtesy Alrosa