US approves potential US$2.7bil air defence sale to Ukraine

Ukraine's capital Kyiv has experienced an influx of Russian attacks, with its air defences struggling to repel them due to ammunition shortages. Washington has now approved a potential $2.68 billion sale of air defence equipment to Kyiv, following the city's repeated appeals for assistance against Russian aggression. The State Department released a congressional notification outlining its determination to approve a possible Foreign Military Sale to Ukraine's government, encompassing the acquisition of air defence development upgrades and related equipment and services.

According to the state department, Kyiv has expressed interest in purchasing various types of missiles, launchers, counter-drone radars, and trailers. The proposed sale is contingent upon congressional review. Should the purchase proceed, Ukraine plans to finance it through a combination of European contributions and US Foreign Military Financing appropriations from the previous administration. The estimated total cost of the deal is $2.68 billion.