Japan ends Russian coal imports, expels diplomats
TOKYO: Japan said Friday it will end imports of Russian coal and announced the expulsion of eight of Moscow’s diplomats over “war crimes” in Ukraine.
The move comes as Ukraine’s allies step up pressure on Moscow after allegations that Russian troops killed civilians in areas around Kyiv.
“Russian troops have killed civilians and have attacked nuclear facilities, gravely violating international humanitarian law. These are war crimes that can never be forgiven,” Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters.
“We will ban imports of Russian coal,” Kishida said, pledging to find alternatives and asking Japanese citizens for their “understanding and cooperation.”
He outlined additional measures, including new asset freezes and a ban on imports from Russia, including machinery and vodka, and said Tokyo would back efforts to investigate Moscow’s actions at the International Criminal Court.
Earlier, Japan announced it will expel eight Russian diplomats and officials, calling Moscow’s actions in Ukraine “categorically unacceptable” and a violation of international law.
“As a result of our country’s comprehensive judgment, we have requested the expulsion of eight diplomats from the Russian Embassy in Japan and officials from the Office of the Trade Representative of the Russian Federation,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Hikariko Ono said.
She said Russia’s ambassador to Tokyo Mikhail Yurievich Galuzin had been informed of the decision in a meeting with Vice Foreign Minister Takeo Mori.
The expulsion does not affect Galuzin, officials said.