TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio on Tuesday instructed ministers to keep strong sanctions against Russia in place over its invasion of Ukraine in cooperation with other Group of Seven members.

Kishida issued the instruction in a virtual meeting with Foreign Minister HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Finance Minister SUZUKI Shunichi, industry minister NISHIMURA Yasutoshi and Defense Minister HAMADA Yasukazu about six months into the invasion.

The prime minister also ordered them to take all possible measures to ensure stable energy supplies, the defense of Japan and the protection of Japanese nationals overseas.

“This invasion threatens the very foundations of the international order,” Chief Cabinet Secretary MATSUNO Hirokazu told a press conference, repeating Tokyo’s condemnation of the Russian aggression.

“The G-7 nations and the rest of the international community need to keep united in responding to the situation with a firm resolve to protect peace and order,” Matsuno said.

JIJI Press