Japan to propose more Russia sanctions as part of G7

Japan, which chairs the Group of Seven in 2023, intends to propose on Friday a new package of sanctions targeting the Russian Federation.

That’s according to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who spoke at a news conference Friday, Ukrinform reports citing The Japan Times.

“Feb. 24 is a day we will never forget,” Kishida said. “It is a day that must not be forgotten.”

During the speech, he mainly focused on praising Japan's response to the war, saying Tokyo would also "present ideas for new sanctions" for discussion during an online meeting of G7 leaders later on Friday.

He also indirectly mentioned China in the wake of U.S. statements suggesting Beijing may be preparing to send military aid to Russia to be used in hostilities in Ukraine. He recalled the recent statement of the G7 top diplomats calling on third parties to stop supporting Russian troops.

Kishida added he believes it is important to send a clear message to the international community in close cooperation with the G7 and other countries concerned.

Kishida — the sole G7 leader yet to visit Ukraine since the invasion began — said that while he hoped to travel to the country soon, nothing had been decided yet, with discussions ongoing.

Earlier on Friday, Ukraine's Ambassador to Japan, Serhiy Korsunskyi, told reporters that it was "extremely important" for Kishida to visit Ukraine and personally see how the war unfolds.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, Kishida announced on Monday Japan’s plans to allocate another $5.5 billion in additional financial aid to Ukraine.

Kishida invited President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine to participate in the online summit of the Group of Seven on the anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24.

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