Japan Sanctions 35 Russian Shadow Fleet Ships In Its First Major Round Of Sanctions In Over A Year

Japan has imposed sanctions against Russia’s shadow fleet of ships carrying oil to countries like India and China. The Japanese government has joined the international efforts led by Western countries to corner Russia and end the war with Ukraine, which began after Moscow invaded Kyiv in 2022.

Strict restrictions have been brought about pertaining to at least 35 vessels, which would not get insurance, maintenance, repairs, and other services in the country, according to Japan’s Foreign Ministry.

Japan has also banned transactions and payments involving 33 companies and 9 people linked to Russia, while 102 cargo items have been subjected to export restrictions.

It has also frozen the economic assets of Russian President Vladimir Putin and other officials. Through this step, Japan hopes that it will be able to reduce the revenue available to Russia from selling its crude worldwide, which is used to continue its war in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian government has expressed its gratitude to Japan for taking these strict measures, with President Zelensky saying that the measure is timely to stop the ‘cruel escalation of drone and missile terror against Ukrainians ahead of winter.’

He also said that the sanctioned individuals and companies pose a threat to all nations in Europe and the Pacific and appreciated Japan.

The development comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin said at an event that once present difficulties subside, Japan and Russia should strive to maintain mutually beneficial relations.

The diplomatic ties between Tokyo and Moscow remain strained over a territorial dispute involving a chain of islands. Russia’s Southern Kurils, which are basically islands off Hokkaido, are claimed by Japan as falling under its sovereignty; however, Moscow does not agree to the claim.

Japan calls them the Northern Territories, and in August, Putin went to the islands for the first time, straining their relations even further.