Japan to slap new sanctions on Russia defense officials over Ukraine

Japan said Friday it will freeze assets of 15 Russian individuals and nine organizations, including the head of the GRU military intelligence service and deputy defense ministers, as it extends its sanctions regime amid Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.The fresh measure, which targets GRU chief Igor Kostyukov and arms exporter Rosoboronexport among others, brings the number of Russian individuals and groups subject to Japan's sanctions to a total of 95.Under the asset freezing sanctions, targeted individuals and groups are not able to conduct financial transactions without permission.Ja…READ FULL ARTICLE