US Expects Japan to Halt Russian Energy Imports, Bessent Says

‘Japan will do what it can,’ the Japanese finance minister told reporters.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks before U.S. President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office on Sept. 25, 2025. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the United States expects Japan to stop imports of Russian energy, citing ongoing discussions between the two governments.

Bessent met with Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato on Oct. 15 during the annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund.