Daily brief
Russian President Vladimir Putin commented on critics of the military operation, attended a Russian Culture Council meeting, and called for more support for folk arts. He also explained a lack of funding for a Vaganova Academy sports complex and ordered quotas for foreign film screenings.
A report alleges Russian energy giants are tied to the deportation of Ukrainian children (ongoing coverage).
Rosatom's chief declared preparations for a third stage of evacuation from Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant.
Russia has sent 300 tons of medical aid to Iran.
An Arctic cyclone is arriving with gale-force winds and low-level snow.