Japan announces additional sanctions on Russia

Tokyo: Japan said on Wednesday that it is imposing additional sanctions on Russia, toughening its stance against Moscow to bring it more in line with steps taken by other nations, including its key ally the United States.

The new measures include banning certain Russian banks from issuing securities in Japan and increasing inspections to prevent arms being shipped to Russia, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said.

Japan imposed sanctions after Russia's annexation of the Crimean peninsula in March but they were lighter than those of the European Union or United States, reflecting Tokyo's courting of Moscow in hopes of forging stronger economic and energy ties.

A visit to Japan by Russian President Vladimir Putin, widely expected to take place in September, now appears unlikely, but he and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe are eyeing talks on the sidelines of the APEC regional leaders' meeting in November.