Asia report: Stocks rise on stronger Wall Street

Asian stocks closed higher on the back of a firmer Wall Street as traders eyed Western moves against Russia after claims of war crimes in Ukraine.

The US and European Union were planning new sanctions to punish Moscow over civilian killings in Ukraine, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned more deaths were likely to be uncovered in areas seized from Russian invaders.

Japan's Nikkei and Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 both finished 0.19% higher. China and Hong Kong were closed for a public holiday.