Japan minister: Sanctions are among possible steps if Russia invades Ukraine

FILE PHOTO: Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi listens during a press conference of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) foreign ministers in Melbourne, Australia, February 11, 2022. REUTERS/Sandra Sanders

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan may take steps against Russia including imposing sanctions if Russia invades Ukraine, Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said on Tuesday.

"First and foremost, Japan is strongly seeking a resolution through diplomatic dialogue," Hayashi told a regular news conference.

"But if Russian invasion takes place, Japan will take appropriate steps including possible sanctions, in response to what has actually happened, and in coordination with the G7 and international community."

Russia has positioned more than 100,000 troops near the Ukraine border, stoking fears of war. Moscow denies planning to invade, accusing the West of hysteria.

(Reporting by Kiyoshi Takenaka; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman)

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