Japan will not impose sanctions against Russia, Foreign Minister Kishida says

Japan has no plans to impose sanctions against Russia because of the situation in Ukraine, Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida said.

"Japan will not take sanctions against Russia. Decisions will be made on how the situation develops further and how other countries react," the minister said, NHK reports.

The minister also noted that Japan would consider providing financial assistance to Ukraine, coordinating it with the International Monetary Fund.

U.S. President Barack Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had had a telephone conversation to discuss the situation in Ukraine. During the conversation, the Japanese leader urged "all parties to restrained action in full accordance with international law" and demanded respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.