US Approves $825 Million Missile Sale to Ukraine Amid Intense Russian Air Assault on Kyiv

The U.S. State Department has approved the potential sale of 3,350 Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) missiles to Ukraine, a defense package valued at approximately $825 million. This significant allocation of weaponry is being financed through contributions from Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and the U.S. Foreign Military Financing program, underscoring a unified international commitment to bolstering Ukraine's defensive capabilities.

The ERAM missiles, boasting a range of 240 to 450 kilometers, are designed to significantly enhance Ukraine's capacity to repel aerial threats. This approval coincides with a period of heightened Russian aggression, as the nation launched a substantial air assault targeting Kyiv on August 28, 2025. The attack, employing a barrage of drones and missiles, resulted in a tragic loss of life, with at least 21 fatalities reported, including four children. Extensive damage was sustained across seven districts of the capital, affecting critical infrastructure and civilian residences alike.

Among the structures impacted were the European Union's delegation building and the British Council offices. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued strong condemnations of these attacks, with both the EU and the UK summoning their respective Russian envoys to formally protest the targeting of civilian infrastructure and diplomatic missions. These actions reflect a unified international stance against the escalating violence and a commitment to holding accountable those responsible for such acts.

The ERAM system represents a new generation of air-to-ground munitions, designed for mass production and enhanced strike capabilities. Reports indicate that these missiles are intended to complicate Russian air defenses by forcing them to react to incoming threats before other long-range strikes are initiated. This strategic deployment aims to provide Ukraine with a more robust and adaptable defense against the continuous aerial onslaught.

The United States has emphasized that while this sale will not alter the broader regional military balance, it will significantly improve Ukraine's ability to defend itself against ongoing Russian aggression. The scale of the Russian attack on August 28, 2025, was considerable, with Ukrainian air defense reporting the launch of nearly 600 drones and numerous missiles. While a significant portion of these were intercepted, the sheer volume underscored the intensity of the assault.

European leaders, including President von der Leyen and President António Costa, expressed outrage. The EU is preparing its 19th package of sanctions and is advancing work on the use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine's defense and reconstruction. The situation underscores the complex interplay of military aid, diplomatic maneuvering, and the persistent human cost of the conflict.