US Approves $2.7 Billion Arms Sale to Ukraine Amid Intensified Russian Strikes

The U.S. State Department has approved a potential $2.7 billion sale of air defense systems to Ukraine, a move that comes as Russia conducted overnight strikes killing at least 11 people and wounding more than 64 across the war-torn nation. The weapons package is set to proceed unless Congress objects within 30 days and is funded through a combination of European contributions and U.S. aid previously approved under the Biden administration.

Russian forces launched a drone barrage Saturday that targeted 15 locations throughout Ukraine. Children were among both the fatalities and injuries reported. Ukrainian air defenses reported intercepting 138 of the 174 drones launched, including Iranian-designed Shahed "suicide" drones.

Poland, a NATO member bordering Ukraine, activated its air defense systems and scrambled military jets in response to the Russian drone activity. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk had previously warned that Russia was plotting "hybrid strikes" on Ukraine's European neighbors as the conflict continues.

In parallel with the arms sale approval, the U.S. has taken additional measures to pressure Moscow. President Trump signed the Russian sanctions bill, sponsored by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, into law. This legislation, known as the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, empowers the U.S. to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major importers of Russian oil, thereby targeting funds that fuel Russia's war efforts.

Earlier on Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hosted a summit with regional leaders, including representatives from Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Hungary, along with EU officials. Zelensky described the meeting as a step toward strengthening ties and enhancing cooperation at the EU level. The summit was referred to as the "Carpathian Eight."