News in brief

By The Associated Press

Kyiv endures a third bombardment in five days

KYIV, Ukraine | Russia has launched missiles against Kyiv for the third time in five days. It’s part of an apparent escalation of aerial bombardment of Ukrainian cities as the war stretches into its third year. The front line is largely stationary.

Officials say nine people were injured in the morning strike on the Ukrainian capital. Russia fired two ballistic missiles at Kyiv from occupied Crimea but city authorities say both were intercepted.

Analysts say Russian President Vladimir Putin could use the recent deadly attack on a Moscow concert hall to shore up support for the war and as a pretext to escalate attacks on Ukraine.

Russia missiles also targeted Odesa and other regions on Monday.

Japan approves plan to sell fighter jets

TOKYO | Japan’s Cabinet has approved a plan to sell future next-generation fighter jets that it’s developing with Britain and Italy to other countries. Tuesday’s announcement was the latest move away from the country’s postwar pacifist principles.

The contentious decision to allow international arms sales is expected to help secure Japan’s role in the joint fighter jet project. It’s also part of a move to build up the Japanese arms industry and bolster its role in global security.

The Cabinet on Tuesday also endorsed a revision to Japan’s arms equipment and technology transfer guidelines to allow coproduced lethal weapons to be sold to countries other than the partners.

—From AP reports