Russia blames Euro-Atlantic nations for Japan sanctions over Ukraine

Russia has denounced Japan’s new round of “ill-considered” sanctions, accusing countries within the Euro-Atlantic area of inciting Tokyo’s animosity.

Japan announced its 27th package of measures on October 2, targeting 33 Russian entities, nine individuals and several companies based abroad.

The measures affected shipping for the first time, with Japanese firms banned from providing key services to designated vessels, including maintenance, chartering and crew employment.

The restrictions extend to the sale or purchase of vessels, repairs, insurance, financing and leasing, and seek to reduce Russia’s ability to evade Western oil price caps when exporting crude.

Recommended

Houthis hit several Saudi sites after coalition strikes in Yemen

‘Talks with US meaningless’ – Iran President

US threatens sanctions against foreign banks doing business with Iran

In a statement on Monday, the Russian Foreign Ministry described Japan’s reference to the situation in Ukraine as a “clumsy attempt” to justify its “hostile actions.”

The spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, called the development “another confirmation that the foreign policy course pursued by Tokyo lacks independence.”

The diplomat said the sanctions were dictated by Japan’s “reckless solidarity with its partners in the Euro-Atlantic region,” who are obsessed with the idea of defeating Russia.

“Sanae Takaichi’s government is doing nothing to bring about long-term peace in Ukraine,” Zakharova noted. “Instead, it is merely pushing that prospect further away.”

Moscow accused Tokyo of breaching bilateral agreements by shunning the 1957 Russia-Japan Trade Treaty, which protects vessels and crews in matters relating to commercial shipping.

“Tokyo’s unfriendly moves will not go unanswered,” the Vladimir Putin administration asserted, vowing to take proportionate countermeasures aimed at Japan’s areas of interest.

Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, Minoru Kihara, said the steps taken in response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine “are not something that should be criticised by Moscow.”

You may like

Friendly: Super Eagles ready for Russia showdown – Chelle

Ex-US House Speaker Dennis Hastert dies at 84

Friendly: Super Eagles step up preparations for Russia clash with 19 players