Tokyo, May 24 (IANS/DPA): Japan froze the assets of eleven entities and one individual linked to North Korea's supply of weapons to Russia on Friday.

"The Government of Japan has strongly condemned Russia's procurement of arms from North Korea, as it constitutes a violation of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs) prohibiting the transfer and procurement of all arms and related materiel to and from North Korea, and may lead to further deterioration of the situation in Ukraine," Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

The ministry said that nine Russian entities and one individual would have their assets frozen alongside two entities in Belarus.

Japan has been supporting Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion, including pledging $37 million to a NATO fund for air defence.

The country's pacifist constitution does not allow Japan to supply weapons to Ukraine itself.

North Korea, which is largely isolated due to its nuclear weapons programme, is internationally accused of supplying weapons and ammunition to Russia.

The governments in Moscow and Pyongyang have repeatedly dismissed reports of such arms deliveries.

Tensions in the Asia-Pacific region are high. Since the beginning of 2022, North Korea has significantly increased the scope of its weapons tests, including the testing of nuclear-capable missiles, and has stepped up its rhetoric against the US and its allies.