The Russia-Ukraine war is entering another dangerous phase as both sides expand long-range attacks beyond traditional military targets, increasingly hitting economic, logistics and commercial infrastructure.

Ukraine has targeted facilities belonging to Russian e-commerce giant Ozone, including a logistics hub, as Kyiv expands its drone campaign against major Russian distribution networks linked to the country’s wartime economy.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Kyiv of opening “Pandora’s box” by targeting economic sites and warned that Moscow would respond.

At least 13 people were reportedly killed in attacks overnight and through Saturday, with casualties reported in Ukraine, Russia and Russian-annexed Crimea.

Russia said it launched a concentrated strike on the Kyiv region using long-range precision weapons and drones. The Russian Defense Ministry also claimed that more than 40 trucks equipped with long-range drone launchers were destroyed.

Russia-Ukraine War:  Ukraine Hits Ozone Facilities | Putin Warns Kyiv Has Opened “Pandora’s Box”

The Russia-Ukraine war is entering another dangerous phase as Russian President Vladimir Putin accuses Kyiv of opening a “Pandora’s box” by expanding attacks against economic and strategic targets deep inside Russia.

At least 13 people were reportedly killed in the latest overnight and Saturday attacks, with casualties reported in both Russia and Ukraine as well as Crimea.

Russia says it launched a concentrated strike against targets in Ukraine using long-range precision weapons and drones. The Russian Defence Ministry said more than 40 trucks equipped with long-range drone launchers were destroyed.

Russian forces also struck the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk, with reported targets including military supply warehouses, fuel storage tanks, cargo vessels and port infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces have reportedly targeted several locations inside Russia, including an oil refinery in the Samara region located around 1,000 kilometres from the front line. Ukraine also reported a strike on a logistics hub.

The intensifying attacks have placed renewed pressure on Ukraine’s air defence capabilities. France has promised additional interceptor missiles for Ukraine, with French President Emmanuel Macron saying it is crucial to provide Kyiv with the means necessary to defend its skies.

Putin Warns Ukraine Over Deep Strikes Inside Russia | Russia Launches Major Attack

The Russia-Ukraine war has entered a deadly new phase as Moscow intensifies its aerial assault on Ukraine with missiles and hundreds of drones. At least 16 people have been killed and more than 130 injured, including children, in the latest attacks.

Ukraine has retaliated with long-range drone strikes targeting Russian oil and logistics infrastructure. Kyiv has also warned of depleted Patriot missile stocks, raising concerns over its ability to intercept ballistic missiles.

France is preparing additional interceptor missiles for Ukraine, while Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for national unity. Meanwhile, Ukraine is urging the United States to take a more active role in efforts to end the war.

Russia-Ukraine War Escalates | Deadly Strikes Kill 16 | Kyiv Hit By Massive Barrage

The Russia-Ukraine war is entering another dangerous phase, with both sides increasingly striking energy, transport and civilian infrastructure as fighting intensifies across the region.

Ukraine says Russian forces struck a second passenger train in the Odesa region, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of people, including children. Earlier, another Russian drone attack reportedly hit a passenger train, killing two crew members.

Meanwhile, a major Ukrainian attack disrupted grain terminals at the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, raising concerns over global food supplies. Ukraine has reportedly offered Russia a proposal to halt attacks on civilian targets in the Black Sea, but Moscow has yet to respond.

Elsewhere, Ukrainian strikes reportedly hit an industrial facility in Russia’s Bashkortostan region and a major oil refinery in Orsk. The refinery was reportedly forced out of operation following the attack.

Russia-Ukraine War Enters New Phase | Trains, Grain Terminals And Oil Sites Hit

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<p>Japan on Friday (Dec 22) agreed to sell its domestically produced Patriot missiles to the United States as the latter attempts fresh stock up after sending the weapons system to Ukraine.</p>

<p>Washington had been looking to source the missiles as it had nearly run out of ammunition but Japan's strict export policy meant it had to wait some time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the announcement, the White House released a statement saying it welcomed the decision taken by the Japanese government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We welcome the Government of Japan’s announcement today that it will transfer Patriot interceptor missiles to the United States to replenish US inventories," the White House said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Patriot missiles, especially the PAC3 surface-to-air missile defence system, manufactured by Japan is capable of directly targeting individuals and destroying objects. It is the first time that Japan will be exporting a finished lethal weapon system.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The appropriate transfer of defence equipment overseas will contribute to...international peace and security, and will also strengthen cooperation with allies and the US," a Tokyo government official was quoted as saying&nbsp;news agency <em>AFP</em>.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-bans-export-of-chemical-weapon-goods-to-russia-expresses-concern-over-nuclear-threats-519876?theme=mobile"><strong>Watch | Japan bans export of chemical weapon goods to Russia, expresses concern over nuclear threats</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Japan's strict weapons export policy</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Under Japan's "Three Principles on Transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology" adopted on exports of weapons in 1967, the sales of weapons to communist nations, those under United Nations embargo and countries currently or about to be engaged in an armed conflict is banned.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the Patriot missiles set to arrive on the Ukrainian shores sooner than later, experts had raised suspicion over Japan giving the nod to the export of the weapons system.</p>

<p>Several countries have militarily aided Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian offensive on February 24 last year. Japan also offered help to Ukraine. But Tokyo has only sent bulletproof vests, helmets, and medical kits due to Tokyo's pacifist laws forbidding sending weapons to the war-torn country.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-considering-exporting-weapons-to-countries-under-invasion-report-570482"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Japan considering exporting weapons to countries under invasion: Report</strong></a></p>

<p>Seeing the allies and their military industries making huge profits, Tokyo may have been charmed into loosening its position. Lifting the ban could suddenly make the Japanese defence sector lucrative once again, bring in a tax windfall and create more jobs while reducing reliance on expensive defence imports.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Japan on Friday (Dec 22) agreed to sell its domestically produced Patriot missiles to the United States as the latter attempts fresh stock up after sending the weapons system to Ukraine.

Japan on Friday (Dec 22) agreed to sell its domestically produced Patriot missiles to the United States as the latter attempts fresh stock up after sending the weapons system to Ukraine. Washington had been looking to source the missiles as it had nearly run out of ammunition but Japan's strict export policy meant it had to wait some time. After the announcement, the White House released a statement saying it welcomed the decision taken by the Japanese government. "We welcome the Government of Japan’s announcement today that it will transfer Patriot interceptor missiles to the United States to replenish US inventories," the White House said. The Patriot missiles, especially the PAC3 surface-to-air missile defence system, manufactured by Japan is capable of directly targeting individuals and destroying objects. It is the first time that Japan will be exporting a finished lethal weapon system. "The appropriate transfer of defence equipment overseas will contribute to...international peace and security, and will also strengthen cooperation with allies and the US," a Tokyo government official was quoted as saying news agency AFP. Watch | Japan bans export of chemical weapon goods to Russia, expresses concern over nuclear threats × Japan's strict weapons export policy Under Japan's "Three Principles on Transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology" adopted on exports of weapons in 1967, the sales of weapons to communist nations, those under United Nations embargo and countries currently or about to be engaged in an armed conflict is banned. With the Patriot missiles set to arrive on the Ukrainian shores sooner than later, experts had raised suspicion over Japan giving the nod to the export of the weapons system. Several countries have militarily aided Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian offensive on February 24 last year. Japan also offered help to Ukraine. But Tokyo has only sent bulletproof vests, helmets, and medical kits due to Tokyo's pacifist laws forbidding sending weapons to the war-torn country. Also read | Japan considering exporting weapons to countries under invasion: Report Seeing the allies and their military industries making huge profits, Tokyo may have been charmed into loosening its position. Lifting the ban could suddenly make the Japanese defence sector lucrative once again, bring in a tax windfall and create more jobs while reducing reliance on expensive defence imports. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan agrees to export Patriot missiles to US facing arsenal depletion

The Pentagon has announced that about 90-100 Ukrainian troops will head to Oklahoma's Fort Sill as soon as next week to begin training on the Patriot missile defense system.

Ukrainian troops to train on Patriot missile system in U.S.