The Trump administration has approved the sale of 3,350 Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) missiles to Ukraine, in a deal valued at $825 million. The move provides Kyiv with a potentially powerful tool as it continues to defend itself against Russia’s relentless military assault, which recently included deadly strikes on the Ukrainian capital.
First Major U.S. Arms Deal Signals Shift Toward Stronger Support for Ukraine
The approval was announced shortly after President Donald Trump held separate meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. While the U.S. has previously supplied Ukraine with equipment to maintain existing systems, this is the first significant new arms deal of the administration, signaling a shift toward more direct military support.
If the agreement is finalized, the ERAM missiles could be delivered later this year. With a range of 150 to 280 miles, the weapons would significantly increase Ukraine’s ability to strike Russian targets. However, U.S. officials have not clarified whether restrictions will be imposed on how Ukraine can deploy the missiles.
NATO Allies and U.S. Unite to Strengthen Ukraine’s Defense and Regional Stability
The purchase will be funded jointly through U.S. Foreign Military Financing and contributions from NATO allies, including Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway. The State Department emphasized that this collaboration highlights the strength of transatlantic cooperation and demonstrates the ability to deliver advanced systems on an accelerated schedule.
The State Department said the sale supports U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening Ukraine as a stabilizing force in Europe. By bolstering Kyiv’s defenses, Washington and its allies aim to counter Russian aggression, promote regional stability, and support long-term political and economic progress.
