The United States has approved a potential $2.7 billion sale of air defence systems to Ukraine as Russian attacks killed 11 people and injured at least 64 others across the war-torn country overnight.
The weapons package includes several types of missiles, laser-guided missile systems and counter-drone technology. The proposed sale will now go to Congress, which has 30 days to object.
The arms transfer would be funded through European contributions and US aid that was approved during the Biden administration.
The US approval came as Russia launched a major drone barrage across Ukraine overnight into Saturday, striking 15 locations, according to the Kyiv Independent. Children were among those killed and wounded in the attacks.
Ukrainian air defences shot down 138 of the 174 drones launched by Russia, including Shahed drones originally developed by Iran.
The attacks also prompted a military response from neighbouring Poland. The Polish Armed Forces Operational Command said it scrambled military jets and activated its air defence systems in response to the Russian drone barrage.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk had previously warned that Russia could carry out hybrid attacks against Ukraine’s neighbours as the war approaches its fourth year.
“There is a real risk that drones or other types of projectiles will enter the territory of one or several countries on the eastern flank and even cause destruction,” Tusk told the Polish parliament on Thursday.
The latest US arms move comes as Washington has taken additional steps to increase pressure on Moscow.
President Donald Trump on Friday signed into law the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which allows the US to impose targeted tariffs of up to 100 per cent on major importers of Russian oil.
The legislation is aimed at increasing economic pressure on Russia over its war in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hosted a summit of regional leaders on Friday to discuss closer cooperation amid Russia’s continued military campaign.
The meeting brought together the so-called “Carpathian Eight” — Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary — along with representatives of the European Union.
Zelensky said the summit would “further strengthen ties between our countries and create another strong element of cooperation at the EU level.”
