US approves sale of 3,350 missiles to Ukraine using European currency
The Wall Street Journal reported that the US has approved 3,350 extended-range missiles for Ukraine with European money.
According to RIA Novosti on August 24, the Wall Street Journal cited sources saying that the administration of US President Donald Trump this week approved the sale of 3,350 ERAM extended-range missiles to Ukraine.
"This week, the administration approved the sale of 3,350 ERAM air-guided missiles, which will arrive in Ukraine in about six weeks," the Wall Street Journal quoted two US officials as saying.
The range of these guided missiles is 241-450km. According to the Wall Street Journal, Kiev will need permission from the Pentagon to use them.
According to the publication's sources, the total volume of the new weapons package amounts to $850 million, and most of the costs are being paid for by Ukraine's European allies. In addition to ERAM, the weapons package includes other, unspecified weapons.
It should be noted that approval of the deal had already been delayed until President Donald Trump's talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, and with Mr. Zelensky in Washington.
“Although the US has not announced plans to provide additional missiles, other weapons purchased by European governments from the US could help Ukraine... These include air defense systems and guided multiple launch rocket systems (GMLRS) with a range of 145 km,” the Wall Street Journal added.
On the Russian side, President Putin has repeatedly noted that the Ukrainian Armed Forces can only conduct operations using high-precision long-range weapons with the participation of NATO servicemen.
This would mean direct Western involvement in the confrontation in Ukraine, which would significantly change its nature and would imply that the members of the alliance are at war with Russia.
