Russia hunts Ukraine’s grain trains as Kyiv claims new warplanes are ready

As the Russo-Ukrainian war enters its 1,648th day, Russia is now targeting Ukraine’s grain transport network, disrupting rail shipments of critical exports. In a separate development, Ukraine’s aviation commander announced that a new generation of domestically built aircraft is nearly ready for military service. The grain train hunts are part of Moscow’s broader strategy to weaken Ukraine’s economy and global food supply lines. Ukrainian officials say the rail system remains a priority target for Russian strikes, though they did not provide specific damage figures. Meanwhile, the aviation commander’s statement suggests a potential boost for Ukraine’s air force, which has relied heavily on Western-supplied jets and spare parts. The new planes, described as “next-generation,” are still in final testing, and no timeline for deployment was given. Both developments underscore the war’s shifting tactics, as Russia presses on infrastructure and Ukraine seeks to strengthen its own defense industry.