New Japanese Sanctions on Russia

New Japanese Sanctions on Russia

May 26 2023

ARK News… Japan on Friday approved additional sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine, including freezing the assets of dozens of individuals and groups and banning exports to organizations linked to the Russian military.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Herokazu Matsuno told reporters that the cabinet approval showed that Japan is in line with the rest of the Group of Seven countries that agreed at their summit in Hiroshima last week to maintain and strengthen sanctions against Russia.

He added that Japan is committed to working with other G7 countries and the broader international community to "improve the situation" in Ukraine.

Matsuno also sharply criticized the signing of an agreement between Russia and Belarus on Thursday to formalize the deployment of Moscow's tactical nuclear weapons in its ally's territory as a move that "further escalates tensions".

"As the only country in the world that has suffered nuclear attacks, Japan finds that Russia's threats and use of nuclear weapons is totally impermissible," Matsuno said. "The Government of Japan calls on Russia and Belarus to stop actions that further escalate tensions while we continue to watch the development with great concern."

Matsuno noted that the additional sanctions and restrictions on Japanese exports reflect the G7's goal of preventing sanctions evasion by other countries and include banning exports of items that would help boost Russia's industrial base.

According to a joint statement issued by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Finance, 24 individuals and 78 organizations have been added to the list of those subject to the asset freeze, including those who allegedly helped deflect sanctions and evade sanctions.

Japan also imposed an export ban on 80 organizations related to the Russian military, including machinery manufacturers. The provision of construction, engineering, and other services to Russia will also be prohibited.

Japan is working closely with the Group of Seven to impose sanctions on Russia over its war in Ukraine amid growing concern about the impact of the conflict in Asia, where China is expanding its military presence and threatening to use force to exert control over self-ruled Taiwan.

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