The Japanese government has decided to add more individuals and institutions, including the Russian private military company Wagner Group, to its list of sanctions in relation to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The decision was approved at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
Under the sanctions, exports to the Wagner Group and 20 other institutions, including research facilities in Russia, will be banned. The Wagner Group dispatched fighters to Ukraine during the invasion.
The measure will also prohibit exports to Russia of goods related to drones.
Another 122 individuals and institutions will be added to the list of targets subject to the freezing of assets.
The list now includes a deputy minister of the Russian Defence Ministry, pro-Russian individuals in Ukraine and aircraft manufacturing plants and banks in Russia.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu said the decision reflects the government's determination as the holder of this year's G7 presidency to stop Russia's invasion and maintain the rules-based international order.
A reporter asked Matsuno whether the government will impose sanctions on any countries that provide military support to Russia.
Matsuno said the government will take appropriate measures by gathering relevant information and coordinating with G7 partners and others.