US approves potential $2.7b air defence sale to Ukraine

The United States has approved a possible $2.68 billion sale of air defence equipment to Ukraine, following Kyiv's repeated requests for support against Russian attacks. The State Department made the determination in a congressional notification, approving a potential Foreign Military Sale to the Ukrainian government for air defense upgrades and related equipment and services.

Kyiv has sought to purchase various types of missiles, launchers, counter-drone radars, and trailers, according to the State Department. The proposed sale is contingent on congressional review. If approved, Ukraine would finance the sale using a mix of European contributions and US Foreign Military Financing from the previous administration.

US President Donald Trump has recently suggested that Europeans repay American aid provided to Ukraine under the previous administration. President Trump has also long advocated for Europeans to shoulder more financial responsibility for supporting Ukraine. Friday's proposal, estimated at $2.68 billion, came as Trump signed a bill authorizing new sanctions targeting Russia.

The capital of Ukraine, Kyiv, has experienced an increase in Russian attacks, which its air defenses have struggled to counter due to ammunition shortages.