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WASHINGTON — The U.S. will announce more economic penalties against Russia today for its continued attacks against Ukraine.

President Biden is expected to announce that the U.S. plans on revoking Russia’s normal trade relations status, which would allow new tariffs on Russian imports.

Meanwhile, Russian diplomats are expected to make an announcement in the UN Security Council today, claiming the U.S. is doing “military biological activities” in Ukraine.

The Biden administration calls the claim a “false flag effort” by Russia to justify a possible chemical weapons attack in Ukraine.

The White House is warning Russia against seizing assets of U.S. companies. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki tweeted that the White House has seen reports Russian may be contemplating seizing assets for both U.S. and international companies that are suspending operations in Russia.

Psaki said any lawless decision Russia makes will result in even more “economic pain” for the country and will send the message Russia is not a safe place to do business.  Companies such as Starbucks, McDonald’s, and Pepsi have all suspended some or all operations in Russia.

Russia is using Belarus as a launch board for its air operations.  That’s what CNN is reporting citing NATO surveillance planes and radars.

On Thursday, NATO radar picked up about a dozen Russian planes idling in Belarus. Then, hours later, at least nine Russian planes headed towards Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly set to meet with the leader of Belarus in Moscow on Friday. Putin and Belarus’ leader will discuss the development of cooperation between the two countries, economic cooperation as sanctions cause pressure, and the war in Ukraine.

Some leaders in Europe are fearful that Russia could use chemical weapons in its attacks.