
Japan is considering a new round of sanctions against Russia, including measures against shadow fleet vessels and expanded export restrictions, as President Vladimir Putin's visit to Iturup sparked a sharp reaction in Tokyo.
AI-generated summary
Japan previously imposed sanctions on Russia on September 12, 2025, under Prime Minister Shigeru Ishibe. The current government led by Sanae Takaichi has not yet taken new restrictive measures.
Japan is considering the possibility of introducing a new package of sanctions against Russia. The Yomiuri newspaper reported this with reference to sources in the country's government.
According to the publication, Tokyo may join the further tightening of restrictions promoted by EU states. Among the possible targets of sanctions are vessels of the so-called shadow fleet. In addition, Japanese authorities are discussing expanding export restrictions and tightening supply controls.
The discussion of new measures was also influenced by the trip of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Iturup. Tokyo reacted sharply to this visit. Russian Ambassador to Japan Nikolai Nozdrev called the position of the Japanese side an unfounded demarche and told the head of the Japanese Foreign Ministry that the southern Kuril Islands are an integral part of Russia.
The last time the Japanese government imposed sanctions against Moscow was on September 12, 2025, when Shigeru Ishiba was the country's prime minister. Under the current cabinet headed by Sanae Takaichi, new restrictive measures against Russia have not yet been taken.
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Japan will announce new sanctions against Russia in the coming weeks
Likely · Within weeks

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