NHK has learned that the Japanese government is considering strengthening sanctions on North Korea and Russia as the two countries deepen their military ties in the fight against Ukraine.

Tokyo says that such cooperation violates international law and poses a serious threat to the peace and stability of Europe and the Indo-Pacific region.

Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met in Ukraine on Saturday and agreed that the participation of North Korean soldiers in Russia's combat operations is a grave concern.

Japanese government officials are discussing specific measures, such as expanding asset freeze targets for both countries. Japan aims to coordinate with the Group of Seven nations.

The Japanese government has already slapped a range of sanctions on North Korea in response to the country's ongoing nuclear and missile development.

It has also targeted Russia with trade restrictions, asset freezes and other measures since the invasion began.