Japan tightens Russia sanctions after latest missile attacks in Ukraine

Tokyo, Jan 27 (EFE).- Japan announced Friday a new round of sanctions against high-ranking Russian political and military officials as well as an additional ban on exports of components that can be used to enhance military capability in response to Russia’s latest round of missile attacks in Ukraine.

The measures approved Friday by the Japanese cabinet include the freezing of assets of 36 people and three organizations, including Russian Justice Minister Konstantin Chuichenko and several deputy ministers, secretaries of state and senior military commanders.

Those sanctioned also include political leaders of the self-proclaimed pro-Russian republics in Ukraine, as well as those close to the oligarch Suleiman Kerimov, considered to have close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin and also subject to Japanese sanctions since March.

Japan has also decided to ban exports to 49 organizations linked to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and ban sales of certain components, adding to Tokyo’s existing ban on shipments of semiconductors and other technological parts and devices.

The objective of the ban is to prevent their use for tear gas and automated devices that can be used by the Russian forces, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Seiji Kihara said at a press conference.

Kihara slammed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, saying it shakes a global order built over a long time with much effort and sacrifice.

He added that Japan, which holds the G7 rotating presidency this year, will continue to work to improve the situation together with the G7 countries and the international community.

The fresh Japanese sanctions come a day after the United States announced new measures against Russian government officials, including the Minister of Industry and Trade, Denis Manturov, as well as five entities and one individual linked to the Russian mercenary company, Wagner Group. EFE

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