Government considers additional sanctions on Russia Based on G7 Leaders' Statement

At the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in Belgium on the 7th over the situation in Ukraine, it was confirmed that Russia would take additional measures until it stopped the military invasion.

The G7 has also issued a Leaders' Statement, and the government is considering additional sanctions in light of these.

The G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting was held in Belgium on the 7th with the attendance of Foreign Minister Hayashi, until Russia stopped the military invasion over the finding that many civilians were killed in the suburbs of Kieu, the capital of Ukraine. We have confirmed that we will take additional measures.

Then, the G7 issued a summit statement following the foreign ministers' meeting, and announced a policy to take new measures, saying that President Putin and others would be required to pay further costs.

Minister Hayashi told reporters, "We have agreed on the need to increase pressure on Russia through sanctions. Japan has expressed its intention to steadily implement sanctions."

Prime Minister Kishida told reporters on the night of the 7th, "Unforgivable acts have been revealed one after another, such as the many bodies of citizens being found on the streets near Kieu. Killing citizens is a war crime." He stated and denounced Russia's actions in strong words.

Based on the G7 leaders' statement, the government plans to take additional sanctions against Russia, such as expanding the scope of asset freezes on President Putin and others, expanding the scope of export bans, and banning new investment in Russia. There is a plan to do.

In addition, based on the fact that the policy to reduce energy dependence on Russia, including a ban on coal imports and a gradual reduction, was included in the summit statement, Japan is considering a response, and if the policy is finalized, it will be on the 8th. Prime Minister Kishida will announce it.

Meanwhile, Minister Hayashi also attended a foreign ministers' meeting between NATO = North Atlantic Treaty Organization and partner countries, pointing out that China has not yet blamed Russia, and the security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific region. He called for strengthening cooperation, saying that security cannot be separated and discussed.

Meetings with US Secretary of State Hayashi and others one after another

Foreign Minister Hayashi met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Belgium.

At the meeting, the two foreign ministers severely accused the Russian army of "murdering innocent civilians by the Russian army" over the finding that many civilians were killed in the suburbs of Kieu, the capital of Ukraine. , Confirmed that we will strengthen sanctions on Russia in cooperation with the international community.

Then, while cooperating in responding to various issues surrounding China and North Korea, which repeatedly launches ballistic missiles, the Indo-Pacific, especially East Asia, is trying to unilaterally change the status quo by a force such as Russia's military invasion. We did not allow it, so we agreed to work closely together.

In addition, the two foreign ministers have also agreed that President Biden will continue to coordinate with the four countries of Japan, the United States, Australia and India, the so-called quad summit and the early implementation of the Japan-US summit.

In addition, Minister Hayashi met with EU Foreign Minister Borrell, Canada's Foreign Minister Jolly, and Belgium's Foreign Minister Wilmes one after another, confirming that they will work closely together in response to the situation in Ukraine. ..