Japan Adds Sanctions Against Russia; Targets ‘Shadow Fleet’
The Japanese government has announced additional sanctions against Russia amid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, targeting a so-called shadow fleet of vessels engaged in transporting sanctioned oil from Russia.
Joining international efforts to crack down on sanctions evasion by the fleet, Japan has decided to impose restrictions on the provision of services to 35 vessels, according to the Foreign Ministry. The measures restrict the provision of services including insurance, maritime transportation, crew employment and dispatch, and repairs to the vessels, which include cargo ships and tankers.
Shadow Fleet’s Role in Russian Economy
The sanctioned vessels are believed to transport Russian crude oil to countries including China and India, with those exports providing a major source of revenue for Moscow. Japan‘s move is aimed at reducing the revenue available to Russia to fund its war in Ukraine, as it continues the full-scale invasion of its neighbor that it launched in February 2022.
International Cooperation on Sanctions
Japan, in lockstep with the other Group of Seven members, has imposed economic sanctions on Russia, including freezing the assets of Russian President Vladimir Putin and other individuals. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Japan for imposing the additional sanctions, saying on social media that the targeted individuals and companies pose a “common threat” to European and Pacific countries.
Diplomatic Tensions Between Japan and Russia
The latest sanctions come a day after Putin expressed interest at an event in Moscow in pursuing “mutually beneficial” relations between Japan and Russia once current difficulties between the sides are overcome. Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara, the top government spokesman, said on Friday morning that Tokyo had taken note of the remarks and added that it is “important” for the countries to maintain communication.
Historical Dispute Over Islands
Japan and Russia are also engaged in a dispute over Russian-held, Japanese-claimed islands off Hokkaido called the Northern Territories by Tokyo and the Southern Kurils by Moscow. In August, Putin visited one of the islands for the first time as president, dealing a fresh blow to ties.
The move is seen as part of Japan‘s efforts to strengthen its international cooperation on sanctions against Russia and to demonstrate its commitment to supporting Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
Original Article: Japan adds sanctions against Russia; targets ‘shadow fleet’ – Japan Today — Japantoday