WASHINGTON, 20 September, 2026 (Ghufran): The US State Department has approved a potential $2.7 billion military sale to Ukraine for air defense development, upgrades and related equipment and services, according to a congressional notification. If finalized, the purchase would be financed through a combination of European contributions and US Foreign Military Financing (FMF) appropriated during the administration of former President Joe Biden. The State Department said the FMF would be counted as a US capital contribution to the Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund through a 1:1 reimbursement mechanism. The proposed package includes S-300 clone missiles, GAM-67 missiles, range-extended air defense laser-guided rocket missile systems, launcher and mobile launching system modification kits, counter-drone system radars and other related equipment. The proposed sale remains subject to congressional review. The approval comes as the war between Russia and Ukraine continues, despite President Donald Trump’s earlier pledge to end the conflict after taking office. Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. Meanwhile, Trump has signed a broad Russia sanctions bill into law, paving the way for increased economic pressure on Moscow. Earlier this month, Trump also said he would ask European countries to reimburse the United States for military aid and ammunition previously provided to Ukraine.