The United States has approved a potential $2.68 billion sale of air defence equipment and related services to Ukraine as Kyiv seeks additional support to counter Russian attacks.
The US State Department said on Friday that it had approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Ukraine covering air defence upgrades, equipment and related services.
According to the department, Ukraine has requested several types of missiles, launchers, counter-drone radars and trailers as part of the proposed package, the Kyiv Independent reported.
The sale remains subject to review by the US Congress.
The State Department said Ukraine would finance the purchase through a combination of European contributions and US Foreign Military Financing funds approved during the previous administration of President Joe Biden.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly called on European countries to shoulder a greater share of the cost of supporting Ukraine. Earlier this month, he said he would seek reimbursement from European allies for US assistance provided to Kyiv under Biden.
The proposed sale was announced as Trump signed legislation authorising new sanctions aimed at increasing economic pressure on Russia.
Russian attacks intensify
Kyiv has faced an increase in Russian attacks, while Ukrainian forces have struggled to maintain adequate air defence coverage amid shortages of ammunition.
Analysts say Moscow is seeking to weaken Ukrainian morale and pressure European countries supporting Kyiv as Russia maintains an advantage in weapons production.
US efforts to mediate negotiations between Russia and Ukraine have also been affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has diverted Washington’s attention and military resources.
However, Moscow and Kyiv remained divided over territory even before the Middle East conflict began.
Ukraine has proposed freezing the war along the existing front line, while Russia has rejected the proposal and demanded control of the entire Donetsk region, including areas still held by Ukrainian forces.
Kyiv has rejected the demand as unacceptable.