The U.S. has approved a potential $2.68 billion sale of air defense equipment to Ukraine, pending congressional review.
Key facts
- •The approved sale includes S-300 Clone missiles, GAM-67 missiles, and various counter-drone radars.
- •Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, has faced an increase in Russian attacks amid ongoing ammunition shortages.
- •The new sanctions legislation targets Russia's defense and energy sectors.
- •Dmitry Medvedev characterized the new U.S. sanctions as 'Russophobic atrocities' in a statement on Telegram.
- •The proposed military sale is subject to congressional review.
The U.S. State Department announced on Friday that it has approved a potential $2.68 billion Foreign Military Sale to Ukraine. The proposed package includes air defense development upgrades, S-300 Clone missiles, GAM-67 missiles, and Range-Extended Air Defense Laser Guided Rocket systems, alongside radars and support equipment. The sale remains subject to final review by Congress.
Funding and Implementation
If the sale proceeds, Ukraine plans to finance the purchase using a mix of European contributions and U.S. Foreign Military Financing that was appropriated during the previous administration. This development follows recent comments from President Trump, who has stated he intends to ask European nations to repay American aid provided to Ukraine under the Biden administration.
New Sanctions and Russian Response
On Friday, President Trump signed legislation imposing new sanctions on Russia targeting its energy and defense sectors, as well as senior officials including Vladimir Putin. The bill is named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham. In response, Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chair of Russia's Security Council, stated on Telegram that Russia should respond with 'military deterrence' to the sanctions.
Timeline
- August 17, 2022A Russian S-300V anti-aircraft missile launcher was displayed at the International Military Technical Forum.
- FridayThe State Department approved the potential $2.68 billion sale and the President signed new sanctions legislation.
- SaturdayDmitry Medvedev issued a statement on Telegram regarding the new U.S. sanctions.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by CBS News Politics.
