Japan could review, cancel sanctions against Russia

Japan could review or even cancel sanctions against Russia if Moscow takes evident action for the resolution of the Ukrainian crisis, RIA Novosti reported, citing Japan's foreign ministry.

"Russia must, on the basis of the ceasefire agreement, fully respecting the sovereignty of Ukraine and its territorial integrity, take affirmative action for a peaceful resolution of the situation," a statement released by Japan's Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida Wednesday said.

"If Russia takes active and obvious steps for the peaceful resolution of the crisis in Ukraine, the recently adopted measures could be adjusted or canceled," the statement added.

The Japanese government imposed additional sanctions against Russia on Wednesday, targeting five major Russian banks, including Sberbank and VTB.

The sanctions also target Gazprombank and Rosselkhozbank, Russia's third and sixth-largest banks in terms of net assets, as well as Vnesheconombank, a state corporation that manages Russian state debts, pension funds and other state financial activities.