Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi on Tuesday condemned Russia's recognition of "the Luhansk People's Republic" and "the Donetsk People's Republic" as independent states, and said Tokyo intended to coordinate with other countries on sanctions against Moscow, according to Reuters.

"Our country will keep a close eye on the situation with grave concern, and coordinate with the G7 and international community on stern responses including sanctions," Hayashi told a news conference.