The administration of US President Donald Trump has approved a US$825 million arms sale to Ukraine that would include extended-range missiles and related equipment to boost its defensive capabilities as US efforts to broker peace between Ukraine and Russia appear stalled.
The US Department of State on Thursday announced that it had notified the US Congress of the sale of extended-range attack munition missiles and navigation systems for Ukraine. The sale would cover 3,350 Standard Extended Range Active Missiles, 3,350 GPS units, along with components, spare parts and other accessories, as well as training and technical support.
It said Ukraine would use funding from NATO allies Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway in addition to US foreign military financing to pay for the equipment.
Photo: Reuters
“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 state department said in a statement.
The sale was announced as Russia continues to step up attacks on Ukraine even after Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska earlier this month to press for a negotiated settlement to the three-year-old conflict.
The US in July announced two other proposed weapons sales to Ukraine. One worth US$322 million to enhance its air defense capabilities and provide armored combat vehicles and another worth US$330 million for air defense systems, as well as the maintenance, repair and overhaul of self-propelled artillery vehicles.
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