Russia Seizes Japan Tobacco Assets Amid Rising Tensions with Tokyo

Russia has temporarily seized the Russian assets of Japan Tobacco Inc. (JTI), including four manufacturing plants, impacting 4,000 employees. This action, based on a 2023 decree targeting entities from 'unfriendly countries' in response to sanctions, has further strained relations between Moscow and Tokyo. Japan's trade minister has called for Russia to reverse the measure, highlighting the ongoing geopolitical and economic friction.