Japan weighing options in response to US ban on Russian oil import

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – Japan is weighing its options in response to the US ban on energy imports from Russia, the chief cabinet secretary said on Wednesday.

"We are in communication with like-minded countries ... We closely work with the international community including G7, and what should be effective will be considered and implemented," Hirokazu Matsuno told a news conference in Tokyo.

The announcement came as US President Joe Biden signed an executive order Tuesday that bans all the imports of Russian oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and coal to the US.

Russia is one of the world’s top oil producers, and also dominates the European energy market as its largest supplier of natural gas.

Japan has joined its Western allies in condemning and imposing financial sanctions on Moscow over the attack it launched on Kyiv on Feb. 24.

The measures include restrictions on transactions with Russia's central bank and freezing of assets of seven Russian banks, according to the premier's office.

Besides sending non-lethal weapons, Tokyo has allowed visa extensions to Ukrainians in Japan, and is also taking steps to accept evacuees from Ukraine.

More than 2 million people have fled Ukraine to neighboring countries, according to the UN Refugee Agency said.

Many of the world’s largest companies are also limiting or halting their Russian operations.