U.S. Approves $825 Million Missile Sale to Ukraine Amid Intensified Russian Strikes

by Emmitt Barry, with reporting from Washington D.C. Bureau Staff

(Worthy News) – The Trump administration has approved an $825 million arms sale to Ukraine, delivering long-range strike capabilities to Kyiv as peace negotiations with Moscow remain stalled.

The State Department formally notified Congress on Thursday of the proposed deal, which includes 3,350 extended-range attack munition (ERAM) missiles, GPS navigation modules, spare parts, and logistical support. The ERAM system, designed for both air-to-ground and anti-ship engagements, is expected to enhance Ukraine’s ability to defend against Russia’s invasion.

Funding for the munitions package will be drawn from a combination of U.S. foreign military financing and contributions from Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA). “The ERAM is an example of working together with our NATO allies to develop a capable and scalable system capable of being delivered on a fast timeline,” the agency said.

U.S. officials emphasized that the sale would not alter the region’s basic military balance but would enhance Ukraine’s ability to conduct self-defense and regional security missions. “Ukraine will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces,” the State Department noted in its certification to Congress.

The announcement comes as Russia intensified its bombardments of Ukraine. On Aug. 28, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Moscow launched more than 30 missiles and 600 drones against Kyiv in what he described as “one of the largest Russian strikes.” At least 19 people were killed and dozens injured, while properties linked to international organizations–including the European Union delegation and the British Council–were damaged. EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas condemned the strikes, saying, “No diplomatic mission should ever be a target.”

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump was “not happy” but “not surprised” by Russia’s escalation, noting Ukraine’s recent drone attacks on Russian oil refineries that reportedly disabled 20 percent of Moscow’s refining capacity in August. The Ukrainian military confirmed it had targeted facilities in Krasnodar and Samara regions in recent strikes.

The arms deal was approved just weeks after Trump hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska for peace talks, which ended without a cease-fire. Days later, Trump met with Zelenskyy and European leaders at the White House to explore possible security guarantees for Ukraine. The U.S. president has since pushed for a bilateral meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy, followed by a trilateral summit, though no dates have been set.

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