Japan bans high-tech equipment exports to Russia

By Ovunc Kutlu

ANKARA (AA) – Japan is banning high-tech equipment exports to Russia, according to the Russian state-owned news agency Tass on Friday.

The ban, which has been approved by the Japanese government, will come into effect on May 20.

The new prohibitions include 14 entities, such as 3D printers, quantum computing equipment, electronic microscopes, and oil refining catalysts, Tass reported.

On Thursday, the Japanese government froze the assets of Russia's largest financial institution Sberbank, and its largest private bank Alfa Bank due to the Ukraine war.

Japan decided to impose new economic sanctions on Russia following an online meeting of G7 leaders last week.

Due to the war, governments and major companies from various sectors around the world have announced the suspension of their operations and withdrawal from the Russian market since Feb. 24. The Western countries have also imposed sanctions on hundreds of Russian companies and individuals.