Tokyo/Canberra: Japan and Australia on Wednesday joined the United States, the European Union, Canada, Germany and Britain to impose sanctions on Russia terming Moscow’s moves an unacceptable violation of Ukrainian sovereignty and international law.
Western nations on Tuesday imposed new sanctions on Russian banks and elites after Moscow ordered troops into separatist regions of eastern Ukraine.
Japan’s sanctions include prohibiting the issuance of Russian bonds in Japan and freezing the assets of certain Russian individuals as well as restricting travel to Japan, Kishida said.
“Russia’s actions very clearly damage Ukraine’s sovereignty and go against international law. We once again criticise these moves and strongly urge Russia to return to diplomatic discussions,” he said.
“The situation remains quite tense and we will continue to monitor it closely. Details of the sanctions will be worked out and announced over the coming days,” he added.
Australia will immediately begin placing sanctions on Russian individuals it believes were responsible over the country’s actions against Ukraine, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said during a media briefing.
“Australians always stand up to bullies, and we will be standing up to Russia, along with all of our partners,” he said. “I expect subsequent tranches of sanctions, this is only the start of this process.”
