Ukraine war: Japan, other G7 leaders step up Russia sanctions
- Leaders renew commitment to support Ukraine, pledge to prevent Russia from obtaining military equipment and technology
- Japan to impose more sanctions on Russia, including banning export of drones and materials that can be used for military purposes
The leaders renewed their commitment to “intensifying our diplomatic, financial and military support for Ukraine, to increasing the costs to Russia and those supporting its war effort,” and countering the negative impact on the rest of the world, especially the most vulnerable people, they said in a statement, according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry.
The G7 countries also affirmed their coordinated action to “further counter Russia’s capacity to wage its illegal aggression” and pledged to prevent Russia from obtaining military equipment and technology. They also called on other countries to stop providing military support to Russia.
“We call on third-countries or other international actors who seek to evade or undermine our measures to cease providing material support to Russia’s war, or face severe costs,” the group said.
The statement came as both Moscow and Kyiv seek to restock their forces for intensified fighting in what analysts expect will involve offensives by both sides along the long front lines in Ukraine.
Ukraine’s allies have sought to use sanctions and trade bans to choke off Russia’s ability to acquire more weapons or produce them domestically using imported components.
The statement did not single out any nation as likely to support Russia.