The Nikkei waterfall, dragged by worries about the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict

Japan’s Nikkei Stock Average fell 0.85 percent to close at 38,026.17, dragged down by concerns over the escalating conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The Pentagon said overnight it was sending antipersonnel mines to Ukraine, underscoring a broader push by the Biden administration to support Kiev as Russian forces try to advance on multiple fronts.

Among the worst performers on the Japanese benchmark, IHI Corp. fell 3.9 percent, Sumitomo Realty & Development fell 3.4 percent and East Japan Railway lost 3.3 percent.