Japan To Expel 8 Russians Including Diplomats
Japan's Foreign Ministry has announced the expulsion of eight officials from the Russian embassy and trade representative office in the country.
Press Secretary Ono Hikariko announced the measure on Friday.
She said Vice-Minister Mori Takeo summoned Russian Ambassador Mikhail Galuzin earlier in the day to inform him of the decision.
Mori is said to have told the ambassador that the killings of many innocent civilians in Ukraine are grave violations of international law, and they represent war crimes that are absolutely intolerable.
Mori condemned Russia's actions and demanded the immediate withdrawal of all troops from Ukraine.
Press Secretary Ono said the Russian side was informed of a deadline for the diplomats to leave. But she refrained from disclosing the details.
Asked what impact the expulsion may have on Japanese citizens in Russia, Ono said she will not answer a hypothetical question. But she added that the Foreign Ministry will continue to do its best to protect Japanese nationals and Japanese business activities in Russia.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova told a state-run news agency on Friday that Moscow will give Tokyo an "appropriate answer" to Japan's decision.
Several European nations have also expelled Russian diplomats. Russia has indicated that it will take countermeasures.