Japan announces expulsion of 8 Russian diplomats

Japan is expelling eight Russian diplomats over their country's invasion of Ukraine

TOKYO -- Japan’s government says it is expelling eight Russian diplomats over their country's invasion of Ukraine.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hikariko Ono announced the decision Friday. Deputy Foreign Minister Takeo Mori has notified Russian Ambassador Mikhail Galuzin, she said.

European countries have expelled dozens of Russian diplomats as their relationships have plunged over Moscow's war against Ukraine.

Europe and the United States have also stepped up sanctions against Russia, including restrictions on coal imports, following revelations of harrowing atrocities against civilians in Ukrainian cities.