Tokyo: The Prime Minister of Ukraine has urged the European Union and Japan to impose fresh economic sanctions on Russia in response to the passing of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

The call for sanctions comes after several EU nations, including Germany, Lithuania, and Sweden, advocated for specific new penalties following Navalny's demise in a distant penal colony in Russia. Additionally, US President Joe Biden cautioned that Moscow could face repercussions.

"We urge the implementation of sanctions on economic and political fronts, targeting specific individuals," stated Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during a press briefing in Tokyo. Shmyhal, who met with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to discuss Ukraine's reconstruction, emphasized the need for support from the US Congress for a military aid package aimed at bolstering Ukraine's forces, particularly in terms of ammunition shortage, including long-range munitions to disrupt Russian supply lines.

"We are fighting for democratic values on behalf of the entire democratic world. This represents an existential battle between democracy and autocracy," Shmyhal declared.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, Russia announced its control over the Ukrainian town of Avdiivka, marking its significant territorial gain since the fall of Bakhmut in May. This development coincided with the two-year anniversary of President Vladimir Putin's order to invade Ukraine.

Despite these advancements, US lawmakers are still debating a military aid package for Kyiv. Republican Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, stated that the House will not rush to consider the $95.34 billion military aid package for Ukraine and Israel, which was already passed by the Senate.

Japan has pledged over $10 billion in financial aid to Ukraine but has refrained from providing military assistance due to its prohibition on the export of lethal weapons.

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