TOKYO: Japan said Tuesday it would deny visas to 23 Russian nationals as part of its additional sanctions against Moscow over the Ukraine crisis.
The Japanese foreign ministry did not identify those affected, only saying that they were suspected of "infringing the unity of Ukraine's sovereignty and territory".
Local media said some Russian government officials were on the list.
The announcement came after the United States and Europe imposed fresh sanctions on Russia.
"Our country calls on all parties to act carefully with self-restraint and responsibility," Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida said in a statement.
"We sincerely hope that the Ukraine situation will be normalised through diplomatic dialogue."
In March, Japan said it was suspending negotiations with Russia on easing visa requirements and would not be starting talks on a new investment accord.
Tokyo has fallen into line with Washington and its allies in tightening the screws on Moscow after its annexation of the Crimean peninsula, and as Russian troops remain massed on the Ukrainian border.
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