Russia Calls Japan Sanctions "Unfriendly"

Russia is calling Japan's plans to impose sanctions on the assets of those it considers to be involved in instability in eastern Ukraine "unfriendly."

The Russian Foreign Ministry also said on July 29 that the imposition by Tokyo of new sanctions on Russia "inevitably threaten a whole range of bilateral relations and set them back."

Japan said on July 28 it is imposing more sanctions against Russia, including the freezing of assets held in Japan by individuals and groups supporting Russia's annexation of Crimea.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Tokyo would also restrict imports from Crimea.

Suga called on Russia to "exercise influence" over pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine so that they will cooperate in the international probe into the downing of a Malaysian airliner on July 17.

Based on reporting by Reuters and nydailynews.com