The United States has approved a potential $2.68bn sale of air defence equipment and related services to Ukraine as Kyiv faces an increase in Russian attacks.
The State Department announced the approval on Friday in a notification to Congress, saying it had authorised a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Ukrainian government involving air defence upgrades and other equipment.
According to the notification, Ukraine requested a range of weapons and support systems, including S-300 Clone missiles, GAM-67 missiles and Range-Extended Air Defence Laser Guided Rocket missile systems.
The proposed package also includes launchers, counter-drone radar systems, trailers, spare parts and other related equipment and services.
The State Department said Ukraine would not necessarily fund the proposed purchase entirely through new US assistance.
“If the proposed purchase is concluded, Ukraine would finance it using a combination of European contributions and U.S. Foreign Military Financing appropriated during the prior Administration,” the department said.
The proposed sale remains subject to review by the US Congress.
The approval comes as Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, has faced a renewed wave of Russian attacks, placing additional pressure on its air defence systems. Ukrainian authorities have previously highlighted shortages of ammunition needed to maintain effective protection against incoming attacks.
The latest US decision also comes amid President Donald Trump’s continued calls for European countries to shoulder more of the financial burden of supporting Ukraine.
Trump said earlier this month that he would seek repayment from European countries for American assistance provided to Ukraine during the administration of former President Joe Biden.
The US president has repeatedly argued that European countries should contribute more towards Western support for Kyiv.
On Friday, Trump also signed legislation imposing new sanctions intended to increase pressure on Russia over its war in Ukraine, following approval by Congress after months of delay.
The legislation, named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham, targets Russia’s energy and defence sectors, as well as President Vladimir Putin and other senior Russian officials.
Russia reacted strongly to the sanctions, with Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, warning that Moscow could respond with military measures.
“Even across the ocean, they hear only the language of direct military deterrence, and that is the language in which we should respond to Russophobic atrocities, such as the law of the dead terrorist, Graham,” Medvedev said on Telegram on Saturday.
He added that Russia’s response to the new sanctions should include “military deterrence,” without providing further details.
