The Trump administration has authorized an $825 million weapons package for Ukraine, which includes long-range missiles and related equipment aimed at strengthening the country’s defense as U.S.-led peace efforts with Russia remain stalled.
The State Department announced Thursday that Congress was formally notified about the planned sale, which involves 3,350 Extended-Range Attack Munition (ERAM) missiles, 3,350 GPS navigation units, spare components, replacement parts, accessories, as well as training and technical assistance.
The department stated that Ukraine will cover the costs using funds from NATO partners Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway, in addition to U.S. foreign military financing.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe,” the department said in a statement.
The deal was unveiled as Russia escalated its military campaign against Ukraine, despite President Donald Trump meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska earlier this month to push for a negotiated settlement in the nearly three-year conflict.
On Thursday, Russia launched one of its deadliest attacks in months, firing waves of missiles and drones into Kyiv that killed at least 21 people — including four children — and left nearly 50 others wounded, according to multiple reports.
The large-scale strike, involving more than 600 projectiles, devastated all 10 districts of the Ukrainian capital, damaging residential neighborhoods, EU diplomatic offices, and cultural institutions, including the British Council.
Although Moscow insisted its strikes were aimed at military-industrial targets, civilian zones bore the brunt of the damage. European leaders condemned the assault, summoning Russian diplomats in protest. In response, the United Nations Security Council held an emergency session, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy demanded harsher international sanctions, warning that the global community’s restrained reaction was emboldening Russia.
This arms package follows two previously announced U.S. deals in July: one worth $322 million for air defense upgrades and armored combat vehicles, and another valued at $330 million to supply air defense systems and provide maintenance and repairs for self-propelled artillery units.
{Matzav.com}
