Straining Russia-Japan Ties: Japan Announces Additional Sanctions Against Russia
Japan’s Fuji Television reported on October 2 that the Japanese government has announced new sanctions against Russia, citing continued military attacks by Moscow on Ukraine. The measures target 35 vessels referred to as part of a “shadow fleet,” which have been used to evade sanctions in transporting Russian crude oil. Additional sanctions are also directed at key military-related companies.
At a cabinet meeting on October 2, the Japanese government approved the sanctions package. The measures include asset freezes targeting 33 organizations linked to Russia’s military sector and nine individuals.
Japanese media note that gaps have long existed in existing sanctions against Russia—particularly through mechanisms such as the use of the shadow fleet to generate revenue from oil exports.
In response, regulatory oversight will be extended to the 35 vessels comprising the shadow fleet, covering areas including insurance, crew deployment, and ship maintenance.
Furthermore, four organizations based in the United Arab Emirates and Turkey—alleged to assist Russia in circumventing sanctions—will be added to the list of sanctioned entities. These groups will be prohibited from exporting goods that could strengthen Russia’s industrial base.
During the UN General Assembly in September, Takayuki Kobayashi met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reiterating Japan’s commitment to maintaining pressure on Russia and affirming alignment with European nations intensifying their own sanctions regime.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1877941229369356/
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