<div style="text-align: justify; "><b style="font-size: 1rem;">The United States on Wednesday announced the approval of a $285 million sale of a NASAMS air defense system and related equipment to Ukraine as Kyiv seeks to boost protection against Russian strikes.</b><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;">"Ukraine has an urgent need to increase its capabilities to defend against Russian missile strikes and aircraft," the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement. "Acquiring and effectively deploying this capability will enhance Ukraine's ability to defend its people and protect critical national infrastructure."</div><div style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The agency also said the sale will support US foreign policy national security goals by "improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe."</div><div style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The sale would not require any additional US government employees or contractors to be assigned to Ukraine, the statement added.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The State Department approved the sale, and the DSCA on Wednesday provided the required notification to Congress, which still needs to sign off on the transaction.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Countries including the United States that are supporting Ukraine in its battle against invading Russian forces have donated tens of billions of dollars of military equipment to Kyiv, but this transfer would be a sale.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ukraine's air defenses have played a key role in protecting the country from strikes and preventing Moscow's forces from gaining control of the skies.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;">When Russia invaded in February 2022, Ukraine's air defenses largely consisted of Soviet-era planes and batteries.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;">They have since been significantly augmented by Kyiv's international supporters, who have donated a series of systems including NASAMS. AFP</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify; ">bnbd24/kh</div>