Moscow, March 3 ( /Sputnik) Japan intends to freeze the assets of major Russian businessmen as part of the sanctions against Moscow imposed in connection with the situation in Ukraine, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Thursday. “We have imposed personal sanctions against representatives of the Russian government, including against President [Vladimir] Putin. We also intend to take measures to freeze the assets of the so-called Russian oligarchs,” Kishida said during the briefing. PM Kishida also said Japan deems it is necessary to consider the possibility of significantly strengthening the country’s defence capability amid the current situation in Ukraine. “Protecting the population, life and property of the country is extremely important. We need to consider the possibility of significantly strengthening the country’s defence capability,” Kishida said during the briefing. /SPUTNIK VP