Japan ousts 8 Russian diplomats after Bucha genocide, Moscow vows retaliation

After horrifying ims of civilian corpses in Bucha started surfacing, many global powers expressed strong condemnation, with some countries expelling Russian diplomats. Joining bandwagon of global powers, Japan, which time and again chastised Kremlin over its relentless military aggression in Kyiv, has decided to expel some of Russian diplomats. According to a report by Mainichi Shimbun, Japanese Foreign Ministry on Friday anunced ouster of eight Russians, which includes diplomats.

expulsion of Russian diplomats comes as Japan continues to eng with US and European nations to mount pressure on Russia to cease latter's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Japanese Foreign Ministry stated that many tre officials were included among diplomats expelled by Japan. However, it should be ted that Russian ambassor Mikhail Galuzin has t been expelled. United States and many European countries like France, Germany and Italy have alrey expelled Russian diplomats based on suspicions of spying and or illegal acts. In retaliation for Japan's decision, Moscow is expected to remove Japanese diplomats from Russia.

Japan is also aiming to wean itself off Russian coal imports

It is pertinent to te that Japan is also aiming to wean itself off Russian coal imports by phasing m out. Japanese Ecomy, Tre and Industry Minister,  Koichi Hagiuda stated that y will continue to endeavour to lessen ir reliance on Russia by promoting energy diversification, including renewables and nuclear power. He furr said that Japan would explore alternate coal sources with goal of finally stopping imports. In Japan, Russian coal accounts for 13% of total electricity generation, according to Kyodo News.

In a press conference on Friday evening, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is scheduled to unveil more stringent sanctions against Russia, including details on coal import ban. Japan condemned Russia for atrocities in Bucha against civilians. PM Kishida stated that killing of incent civilians violates international humanitarian law.

Zelenskyy slams Lavrov for Bucha statement

In meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that bodies found in Bucha were std by Ukraine, which was slammed by Ukraine's President Zelenskyy. While talking to Republic Media Network, Zelenskyy stated that he will t respond to Minister Lavrov's claim that scenario in Bucha was a "fake." He furr said that he can't talk to people who are t willing to listen to any or information.