Japan has frozen assets of dozens more Russian and Belarusian officials and oligarchs.
Latest sanctions target 20 Russians, including deputy chiefs of staff for Vladimir Putin’s administration, Chechen Republic, and executives of companies with close ties to the Kremlin.
Japan is also banning exports of Russia-bound oil refinery equipment and Belarus-bound general-purpose items that could be used by its military, the finance ministry said. Japan has taken a tougher stance against Russia than most countries in the region, where most governments have declined to condemn or sanction Moscow.
Apart from Japan, only South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan have announced punitive measures against Moscow.
Japanese carmakers including Toyota have also halted exports to Russia, while Japanese airlines have suspended flights to Europe, amid logistical issues and safety concerns.
Japan freezes assets of more Russian officials, oligarchs
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