Russia bans entry for eight people, including the foreign minister of Japan.

The Russian Foreign Ministry announced on Monday that nine Japanese nationals have been permanently barred from entering Russia.

According to the ministry, Japan’s sanctions against Russia over the Russia-Ukraine conflict prompted the decision.

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwai, Isuzu Shinsuke Minami’s president and representative director, and Shohei Hara, senior vice president of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), are on the list.

In late July 2024 Russia took similar measures against another 13 Japanese nationals, including the chairman of another carmaker, Toyota Motor. Tokyo has protested against that decision.

Entry bans for foreigners are a common measure employed by Moscow in retaliation for sanctions or other opposition against Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine.

Similar lists exist for several countries, including the U.S. and Canada and include hundreds of people.