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Japan hits Russia with more sanctions

Sanctions extend to Crimean energy sector.

By Daniel J. Graeber
Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government enacts sanctions against Russia UPI/Keizo Mori
Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government enacts sanctions against Russia UPI/Keizo Mori | License Photo

TOKYO, Aug. 5 (UPI) -- The Japanese government said Tuesday it enacted sanctions on dozens of entities in response to Russia's actions in eastern Ukraine.

Tokyo said it was imposing additional sanctions on Russia for violating Ukraine's sovereignty through the continued support of separatists in the east of the country. Rebels there are suspected in the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 last month, which left all 295 people on board dead.

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The list of those sanctioned include dozens of high-ranking officials in Crimea as well as Crimean oil and gas company Chernomorneftegaz.

Tokyo's sanctions follow similar actions by the U.S. and European governments targeting Russia's energy sector. When Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper unveiled his list of sanctions against Russia, he sad it was in response to Russia's occupation of the Crimean region in Ukraine and its military action in eastern Ukraine.

Japan receives Russian oil through the 2,900-mile Eastern Siberia-Pacific Ocean pipeline and began importing liquefied natural gas from Russia through a Far East terminal in 2009.

Japan in the wake of the Fukushima Daiichi disaster in 2011 has turned to fossil fuels and renewable energy to make up for the nuclear power deficit.

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