Why Is Russia In A Rush To Build New Commercial Jets?

Russia is currently facing a ticking time bomb; Western sanctions have severed the Russian aviation industry from the international market. While Russia has many abilities to keep its existing jets working and in the air (while likely also accepting higher levels of risk), this comes with limits. The Russian news outlet Kommersant reports that already half of Russia’s new A321neos/A320neos are grounded either to preserve their remaining engine life or because their engines are no longer safe (Kommersant stated half of the grounded fleet would likely never fly again).