SAWT BEIRUT INTERNATIONAL

| 29 March 2024, Friday |

Japan imposes sanctions on 17 more Russians, including billionaire Vekselberg

The Ministry of Finance said on Tuesday that Japan has decided to freeze the assets of another 17 Russians, raising the total number of people targeted by sanctions as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to 61.

The move came after the US imposed sanctions on a number of Russians on Friday, including billionaire Viktor Vekselberg and 12 members of Russia’s lower house of parliament, the Duma.

Japan has sanctioned Vekselberg, as well as 11 members of the Duma and five family members of banker Yuri Kovalchuk, according to the finance ministry.

Hirokazu Matsuno, the government’s senior spokesman, stated that Japan will act in accordance with the other G7 nations on sanctions.

“As for sanctions in the future, we’ll continue to monitor conditions and, in collaboration with other G7 nations, respond properly,” Matsuno said during a press conference.

In addition, Tokyo has slapped sanctions on Russia’s central bank and seven private banks, as well as other Belarusian persons, businesses, and organizations, for their support of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters that the Ukraine issue demonstrated the necessity for reform of the United Nations Security Council, where Russia holds a permanent seat, and that Japan will push for permanent membership.

Japan announced on Friday that, as part of tougher sanctions on Moscow, it will expand an export ban to Russia to include 31 goods, including semiconductors, communication equipment, sensors, and radar, as well as 26 technology packages.

    Source:
  • Reuters