Following the G7 meeting in Hiroshima, Japanese authorities expanded sanctions targeting Russia. The government bulletin, cited by Reuters, outlines new measures designed to tighten financial and export controls in response to ongoing tensions.
The document states that asset freezes will be imposed on 78 groups and 17 individuals located in Russia. In addition, export restrictions will cover 80 Russian entities, including laboratories linked to military research. These steps are part of a broader push to curb funding streams and halt access to sensitive technologies that could bolster Russia’s military capabilities.
In remarks linked to the summit, former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasized that, as a G7 member, Japan will work to strengthen compliance mechanisms and ensure that sanctions remain effective. He argued that more stringent controls are necessary to prevent any evasion by the Russian side and to maintain the intended punitive impact of the measures over time.
Meanwhile, Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, indicated that the European Union would extend its own set of actions. The EU plans to sanction eight Chinese-registered companies and assist in blocking attempts to bypass existing restrictions, a move designed to reinforce a unified approach across allied economies. This alignment reflects a shared objective among Western partners to limit Russia’s access to critical goods and financial networks, while signaling readiness to adapt strategies in response to evolving circumstances. The coordinated sanctions underscore the importance of close cooperation among international partners, with a focus on preventing circumvention and sustaining pressure on key actors involved in the dispute. Sources: Reuters briefing on the government bulletin; statements from the European Commission