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

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuideQ4DvIclz4SY" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<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>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-bans-export-of-chemical-weapon-goods-to-russia-expresses-concern-over-nuclear-threats-519876?theme=mobile/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<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.