TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio on Friday announced additional sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine that began on Thursday, saying that Moscow’s actions cannot be overlooked.

Japan will freeze assets held by Russian individuals and groups, suspend visa issuance to Russian individuals and freeze assets at Russian financial institutions, Kishida said at a press conference.

He said Japan will also restrict exports to groups linked to the Russian military and those of internationally restricted items as well as semiconductors and other general-purpose items to Russia.

Kishida condemned Russia’s military invasion as “an attempt to unilaterally change the status quo by force and a clear violation of international law,” strongly urging Moscow to withdraw its troops immediately.

Denouncing Moscow’s actions as “shaking the very foundation of the international community,” Kishida said they “cannot be overlooked from the point of view of Japan’s security.”

Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki said at a separate press conference that Japan will freeze assets at three Russian banks—VEB, PSB and Bank Russia. “We’ll take powerful measures swiftly in financing and export controls in tandem with the United States and Europe,” he said.

Japan on Wednesday announced its first set of sanctions, including a ban on trade with the breakaway Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recognition of the areas as independent.

On territorial talks with Russia, Kishida said that while there is no change in Japan’s position, he would not say how the situation will affect the negotiations.

Kishida also said the government will act to curb soaring gasoline prices. It is expected to announce emergency measures, including greater subsidies, next week, sources familiar with the matter said.

JIJI Press