Russia Condemns New Japanese Sanctions, Vows Retaliation

Moscow, Oct 5 (KUNA) -- The Russian Foreign Ministry today condemned new sanctions imposed by Japan on Russia, describing them as an “aggressive provocation” that underscores the lack of independence in Tokyo’s diplomatic approach. It stressed that Moscow would respond to these measures.

Russian news agency Tass quoted Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova as saying that Japan’s new sanctions against Russia confirm the absence of independence in Tokyo’s diplomatic stance, adding that Japan continues to take “reckless” steps that will further deteriorate bilateral relations with Moscow.

The ministry added that Japan’s foreign policy is not driven by the country’s national interests but by “reckless solidarity” with so-called like-minded countries in the Euro-Atlantic region, which it said are “pathologically obsessed” with the idea of inflicting a “strategic defeat” on Russia.

Zakharova noted that the measures taken by the government of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi against Russia do not contribute to achieving a lasting peace in Ukraine, but instead delay the prospects of reaching such a peace.

Earlier today, Japan announced a new package of restrictive measures against Russia, including the listing of 33 Russian companies and nine individuals on its sanctions list, as well as four additional companies, according to a document cited by Tass. The new Japanese measures also imposed restrictions on 35 ships linked to Russia, according to Japanese assessments.

The Russian Foreign Ministry affirmed that Moscow would take appropriate measures in response to what it described as Japan’s hostile and provocative steps, warning that Tokyo’s continuation of a sanctions-based approach would further worsen relations between the two countries. (End) D.A.N./H.S.S.