State Department approves potential sale of $2.6 billion in air defense equipment to Ukraine
September 19, 2026 / 6:12 AM EDT / CBS/AFP
TL;DR
- The U.S. State Department approved a potential $2.68 billion sale of air defense equipment to Ukraine.
- The approved sale includes S-300 Clone missiles, GAM-67 missiles, and Range-Extended Air Defense Laser Guided Rocket missile systems, along with related equipment.
- Ukraine plans to finance the purchase using a combination of European contributions and U.S. Foreign Military Financing.
- The proposed sale is subject to congressional review.
- This action occurs as Kyiv faces increased Russian attacks and ammunition shortages.
- Former President Trump has called for Europeans to repay U.S. aid to Ukraine and to bear more of the support costs.
- The U.S. recently signed a bill imposing new sanctions on Russia.
- Russia, through Dmitry Medvedev, responded to sanctions by suggesting a need for "military deterrence."