Japan Implements Additional Sanctions Against Russia
Japan's government has formalized additional sanctions on Russia that include freezing the assets of President Vladimir Putin's two adult daughters.
The move comes in response to the mass killing of civilians in the suburbs of Kyiv and elsewhere amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The Cabinet approved the sanctions on Tuesday, saying the acts committed by Russian forces amount to war crimes and are absolutely intolerable.
Nearly 400 people will be added to a list of those subject to asset freezing. They include Putin's daughters, national lawmakers and people with links to the military.
Russia's largest and fourth largest financial institutions, Sberbank and Alfa Bank respectively, will also have their assets frozen along with 26 military-related organizations, including state-owned firms.
New investments in Russia will be banned, and imports of machinery, some types of wood, vodka and other items will be prohibited.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu told reporters the government believes it needs to impose tough sanctions on Moscow in cooperation with the international community to realize a ceasefire as soon as possible and to compel Russia to end its invasion of Ukraine.