US Approves Potential $2.68 Billion Air Defence Package For Ukraine Amid Ongoing War

The United States has approved a potential $2.68 billion air defence package for Ukraine amid the ongoing war with Russia, according to a congressional notification issued by the US State Department on Friday.

The proposed sale includes missiles, launchers, counter drone radars, trailers, air defence development upgrades and related services requested by Ukraine.

The deal still requires congressional review before it can be finalised. If approved, Ukraine would fund the package through contributions from European countries and US Foreign Military Financing funds approved during former President Joe Biden’s administration.

The proposed sale comes as Ukraine continues to seek Western military support for its air defence systems. Kyiv has faced shortages of ammunition for some systems as Russia continues missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure.

The announcement also comes amid discussions within the Donald Trump administration over US military assistance to Ukraine. Trump has said European countries should reimburse Washington for aid provided to Kyiv under Biden and has called on European allies to contribute more towards supporting Ukraine.

The latest announcement follows Trump’s recent statement that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to stop attacks on each other’s energy infrastructure. Neither Kyiv nor Moscow confirmed the statement.

Trump had also criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries. He said Ukraine could continue targeting military sites but should avoid attacks on Russian energy facilities.

Ukraine has used drones to target infrastructure inside Russia, including oil facilities, while Russia has continued missile and drone attacks on targets in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to end the nearly four year old war remain unresolved. Ukraine has proposed freezing the conflict along the current front lines, while Russia has demanded control of the entire Donetsk region, including areas still held by Ukraine.

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron has ordered preparations for measures to protect critical infrastructure and sensitive defence industry and technology sites from drone and cyberattacks. Macron cited security concerns linked to Russia and said France and Europe faced an intensified hybrid threat.