"A network of dozens of laboratories operated in Ukraine under the direction of and financial support from the Pentagon. Miltiary biological programmes were carried out there, including experiments with samples of the coronavirus, anthrax, cholera, African swine fever and other deadly diseases," Putin said.

"They are now trying to sweep up the traces of these secret programmes. But we have every reason to believe that in the immediate vicinity of Russia, in Ukraine, components of biological weapons were effectively being created," Putin added.

Sullivan tells Patrushev US will continue to impose costs, support defense of Ukraine - White House

❗ Lifting anti-Russian sanctions discussed with Ukraine, Russian Deputy FM says

⚡ US congressman says Ukraine now has S-300 air defense systems in country - CNN

❗ US to expand sanctions on Russian individuals based on Zelenskyy’s proposals – reports

❗ NATO members agree that alliance's forces should not be present in Ukrainian territory or airspace - Secretary General

A one-meter-high tsunami was recorded in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan's meteorological headquarters said.

An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.3 occurred in the northeast of Japan in the Pacific Ocean near Fukushima Prefecture, the country's main meteorological department said.

The International Court of Justice says Russia should suspend military operations in Ukraine immediately

Another earthquake, with magnitude 5.6, hits northeastern Japan

❗ G7 foreign ministers will discuss Ukraine during online meeting on Thursday

❗ NATO to discuss urgent measures to strengthen defense on March 24

⚡ Russian military has evidence Ukraine preparing provocation involving poisonous substances, MoD says

❗ Russian prosecutors to look into Ukrainian journalist's calls to kill Russian children

Fire alarm set off at Fukushima nuclear plant

The pumps pumping water to cool down spent nuclear fuel have been stopped at the first and third power units of the Fukushima-2 nuclear power plant - regulator