TOKYO, Feb 23, 2022 (BSS/AFP) - Japan will impose sanctions on Russia and
individuals linked to eastern Ukrainian regions controlled by pro-Kremlin
separatists, the country's prime minister said Wednesday, after Moscow
ordered troops into the disputed territory.

  The measures follow decisions by the United States, Britain and the
European Union to penalize Russian entities in the wake of President Vladimir
Putin's decision to send soldiers into Donetsk and Lugansk.

  Tokyo's sanctions include a ban on issuing visas to individuals linked to
the "so-called two republics" as well as freezing their assets and barring
trade with the regions.

  They also ban the issuing and trade of Russian government bonds in Japan.

  "We continue to monitor with grave concern," Prime Minister Fumio Kishida
told reporters.

  "From the viewpoint of responding to the issue in cooperation with the
international community, Japan decided to impose sanctions," he said.

  Japan "strongly condemns" Russia's actions, he added, "that infringe on
Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, violating international
law," adding that further sanctions were possible "if the situation worsens."