TOKYO: Japan has tightened its sanctions against Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine, announcing an expanded list of measures that includes an export ban on electric vehicles.
In the wake of Russia’s incursion into Ukraine in February last year, the country faced a series of sanctions. However, calls from Kyiv and its allies for stronger actions against Moscow have grown, prompting Japan to intensify its measures.
Previously, Japan had frozen the assets of Russian individuals and groups and imposed a ban on exporting goods to Russia’s military-related organizations, as well as construction and engineering services. Now, the Japanese government has extended the export ban to vehicles equipped with engines of 1,900 cc or more, as well as hybrid and electric cars, as per a statement from the trade ministry.
Japan Extends Export Ban
The new sanctions, approved by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s cabinet on Friday, are set to take effect on August 9. Ministry official Noriyuki Kuroda stated that the list of items under the export ban has been expanded due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has been ongoing for over a year.
The latest measures follow similar embargoes implemented by the United States and the European Union, according to Kuroda. Additionally, other items have been added to the export ban list, such as steel, plastic products, and electronic parts that could potentially be diverted for military use.
In May, during the Group of Seven summit in Japan, the bloc’s leaders pledged to “starve Russia of G7 technology, industrial equipment, and services that support its war machine.” The United States, Britain, and the European Union have imposed severe sanctions on Russia in response to the invasion of Ukraine and have committed to providing increased military aid to Kyiv.
