Japan imposes new sanctions on Russia, criticizing the agreement to deploy nuclear weapons in Belarus

Japan passed additional sanctions against Russia, including freezing the assets of many individuals and organizations and imposing an export ban on organizations involved in Russian military activities...

On May 26, Japan approved additional sanctions against Russia, including freezing the assets of many individuals and organizations and imposing an export ban on organizations involved in military activities. Russia, according to the AP news agency.

According to a joint statement by the Japanese ministries of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Finance, 24 individuals and 78 organizations have been added to those subject to asset freezes. This number includes people accused of helping Russia evade sanctions.

Japan also imposed an export ban on 80 organizations involved in Russia's military activities, including machinery manufacturers. Providing construction, engineering, and other services to Russia will also be prohibited.

Mr. Hirokazu Matsuno - Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan - said that the sanctions show that Japan is accompanying the remaining countries in the Group of industrialized nations (G7) to maintain and strengthen the measures—sanctions against Russia.

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

Mr. Matsuno also sharply criticized the signing of an agreement between Russia and Belarus on Moscow's deployment of tactical nuclear weapons. He called it a move "to escalate tensions further."

"As the only country in the world that has suffered nuclear attacks, Japan perceives the threat of Russian nuclear weapons and their use as completely unacceptable. The Japanese government asks Russia and Belarus to stop taking actions that further escalate tensions. We will continue to monitor the development of the incident with great concern," Matsuno said.