Title: "Kyodo": G7 Considering Export Ban on Russia

The Kyodo news agency reported today, Friday, citing Japanese government sources, that "the Group of Seven major countries is considering imposing a near-total export ban on Russia." Bloomberg news agency reported yesterday, Thursday, that "the United States and allies of Ukraine are contemplating a complete ban on most exports to Russia," noting that "officials from G7 countries are discussing the idea ahead of a summit meeting in Japan next month." In response to a question about the Bloomberg report, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno stated, "The government was aware of it but refrained from commenting on exchanges between G7 countries and like-minded nations regarding potential sanctions targeting Russia." He called in a press briefing for "an end to the Russian aggression as soon as possible."