On 26 February 2022, the government of Japan imposed a blanket export ban on products destined to the "Donetsk People's Republic" and the "Luhansk People's Republic", the two separatist regions of Ukraine that were previously recognised by Russia as independent entities. 

The export ban forms part of the first sanction package. The package also includes an import ban, the suspension of visa issuance, the freezing of assets held in Japan by the two regions' officials, and the prohibition to trade new sovereign debt issued by the Russian government (see related intervention). 

With regards to Russia's recognition of the two separatist regions of Ukraine, the press release notes: "Such actions clearly constitute an infringement of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and are in violation of international law. They are totally unacceptable and Japan strongly condemns them once again. The Government of Japan strongly urges Russia to return to efforts to resolve the situation through a diplomatic process".