Reuters – Japan tightened sanctions against Russia on Friday in the wake of the latest wave of missile attacks on Ukraine, adding some goods to a list of export bans and freezing the assets of Russian officials and entities.
The decision comes after Russia launched missile attacks on Ukraine that killed at least 11 people on Thursday, after Germany and the United States pledged to provide Ukraine with tanks that could help it face any new Russian attack.
“In view of the situation surrounding Ukraine and to contribute to international efforts to secure peace, Japan will implement an export ban in line with other major countries,” Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said in a statement.
The new sanctions include Japan’s ban on shipments of materials to 49 organizations in Russia from February 3 that Moscow could use to boost its military capability.
The ministry stated that these materials will include products ranging from water cannons, gas exploration equipment and semiconductor equipment to vaccines, X-ray inspection equipment, explosives and robots.
Japan will also freeze the assets of three entities and 22 individuals in Russia, including Deputy Defense Minister Mikhail Mizintsev, Justice Minister Konstantin Chuichenko, and 14 pro-Moscow supporters linked to the annexation of parts of southeastern Ukraine.
