Ukraine has hit two scarce Tu-95MS strategic bombers at Russia’s Engels air base in six weeks. One is clearly beyond repair; the second suffered severe wing damage but its ultimate repair status remains disputed.

Since the start of his full-scale war, President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia has tried to drive wedges between Ukraine and its Western backers, warning of possible grave consequences as they supplied Kyiv with money and weapons.

Russia has resumed attacks on oilseed processing plants critical to Ukraine's exports, striking on Thursday a major facility in the eastern city of