UPDATE: Japan limits arms exports, securities ops of 5 Russian banks

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TOKYO, Sep 24 (PRIME) -- Japan has expanded the sanctions against Russia due to its role in the situation in Ukraine by restraining operations with securities of several banks and arms exports, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Wednesday at a news conference.

The banks hit by the new sanctions are state-controlled Sberbank, Vnesheconombank, VTB, Gazprombank, and Russian Agricultural Bank.

"We will continue to be in close contact with the other G7 nations and international society to seek a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to the situation in Ukraine," Suga said.

In March, Tokyo suspended consultations with Moscow on easing the visa regime between the countries and indefinitely postponed a start of negotiations on possible conclusion of three contracts on investment and space cooperation and prevention of dangerous military activities.

In April, Japan decided to temporarily deny visas for 23 Russian officials, whose names were not disclosed. In August, the country’s government decided to freeze assets of 40 Russian citizens in case of uncovering such assets in Japan.

Japan earlier called its anti-Russian sanctions symbolic. The country has been avoiding any measures affecting economic relations with Russia until now.

The E.U. and the U.S. earlier banned the same banks from borrowing long- and mid-term money on their markets.

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