Japan adds vessels tied to Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ to sanctions list
Japan’s government has approved a new package of sanctions against Russia, adding 35 vessels linked to what is known as Russia’s “shadow fleet” — a network of ships used to bypass Western restrictions and continue oil exports.
The measures, approved at a Cabinet meeting on Friday, also target 33 organizations and nine individuals connected to Russia’s military activities. The sanctioned vessels will generally be barred from receiving services such as operation support, repairs, insurance and financing.
New restrictions extend beyond shipping
Japan is also adding 102 chemical and steel products to its export control list, citing concerns that they could strengthen Russia’s industrial capabilities. Exports to four organizations in the United Arab Emirates and Turkey accused of helping Russia evade sanctions will also be prohibited.
Since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, Japan has imposed more than 20 rounds of sanctions. The country has also frozen assets linked to Russian individuals and organizations, restricted transactions involving the Russian central bank and financial institutions, and banned imports of Russian gold and new investment in Russia.
First Russia sanctions under Takaichi government
The latest action is the first Russia-related sanctions introduced under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s government. Japan’s finance ministry’s sanctions list includes 1,137 Russian individuals and organizations subject to asset freezes, in addition to separate measures against Russian financial institutions.
The move comes as Japan aligns its approach with European countries that have continued tightening restrictions on Russia. Analysts cited in Japan said the decision also reflects tensions following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to the Kuril Islands, known in Japan as the Northern Territories, in August. The islands are claimed by Japan, and the visit was Putin’s first since taking office.
Tokyo and Moscow trade accusations over strained ties
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi previously criticized Putin’s visit, saying it hurt the feelings of Japanese citizens and made long-term improvement in bilateral relations more difficult. After a delay of more than a month before new measures were announced, Japanese media reported concerns that Russia could respond by reducing shipments of liquefied natural gas to Japan.
Takaichi later met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York and said Japan would continue cooperating with the international community on sanctions against Russia.
Putin said at the Valdai Forum in Moscow that Russia’s position toward Japan had not changed and argued that Japan’s stance had shifted after imposing sanctions and making critical statements. Japanese government spokesman Minoru Kihara rejected the claim, saying the deterioration in Japan-Russia relations was caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
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