US expects Japan to completely abandon imports of Russian energy resources
Photo: Scott Bessent (Getty Images)
The United States expects Japan to completely stop importing Russian energy, according to US Treasury Secretary Scott Besent.
"Minister Kato and I also discussed important issues pertaining to the US-Japan economic relationship and the Administration's expectation that Japan stop importing Russian energy," Bassett wrote after meeting with Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato.
According to Reuters, the US government is pushing its allies in Asia and Europe to increase energy pressure on Moscow by limiting oil and gas purchases.
Japan not ready for sharp refusal
In response, the Japanese finance minister said that the country would act in coordination with the G7 to achieve peace in Ukraine. According to him, Tokyo will do everything possible to balance energy security and international obligations.
Japan has previously agreed with other G7 countries to gradually phase out imports of Russian oil in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, the country continues to purchase Sakhalin Blend oil, which is a by-product of liquefied gas production at the Sakhalin-2 project.
This oil accounts for about 9% of Japan's LNG imports and is considered critical to the country's energy sector.
Sanctions against Moscow tightening
In early October, the G7 countries agreed to more actively coordinate sanctions against Russia, including restrictions on countries that continue to buy Russian oil and help circumvent sanctions.
In September, Japan lowered the price cap on Russian oil to $47.6 per barrel from $60, bringing its restrictions in line with the new level set by the European Union in July.
According to the Japanese Ministry of Finance, from January to July, Tokyo purchased about 599,000 barrels of oil from Russia, which is only 0.1% of its total imports.
US proposes to replace Russian supplies
Washington insists that its allies purchase more American LNG. Among the proposals is participation in the $44 billion Alaska LNG project, which has not yet been built.
Japan has already signed several agreements with American gas producers, but is refraining from participating in this project. The US, meanwhile, is seeking to strengthen its position in the Asian energy market amid a reduction in Russian supplies.
US President Donald Trump said that India has agreed to stop buying Russian oil.
As reported by The Telegraph, Trump instructed Bessent to discuss with European allies a plan to create a Ukraine victory fund, which will be financed by increased tariffs on imports from China.
