The Japanese government has decided to impose sanctions on nine organizations based in Russia, a Russian citizen, and two Cypriot firms involved in procuring weapons from North Korea amid Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
According to Kyodo News, the chief spokesperson for the Japanese government, Hayashi Yoshimasa, stated in a press conference on Friday that Japan "strongly condemns" the supply of weapons from North Korea to Russia, which violates relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
"Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, it is crucial to take measures in coordination with the international community," said Yoshimasa Hayashi.
Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi holds a press conference at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on May 24, 2024. (Kyodo)
The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that the assets held in Japan by the sanctioned companies, which include shipping and military firms, and the individual, will be frozen.
Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022, Japan, alongside other G7 members, has frozen the assets of Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, his subordinates, and the Central Bank of Russia.
