The U.S. State Department has approved a potential $2.68 billion sale of air defense equipment to Ukraine, as outlined in a formal notification to Congress. This approval means the U.S. government has determined that a "possible Foreign Military Sale" to Ukraine could proceed, involving upgrades to air defense systems and related equipment and services. The Ukrainian government has requested the purchase of several types of missiles, including S-300 Clone and GAM-67 missiles, as well as advanced missile systems such as the Range-Extended Air Defense Laser Guided Rocket, along with launchers, counter-drone radars, trailers, and spare parts. If the sale is finalized, Ukraine would fund it using a mix of European contributions and U.S. Foreign Military Financing allocated under the previous administration. The proposed sale is still subject to review and approval by Congress. Ukraine has faced increasing attacks from Russia, particularly in its capital, Kyiv, where its current air defense systems have struggled to respond effectively due to a shortage of ammunition. This has heightened the urgency for additional military support. Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump has recently stated that he would ask European countries to repay the U.S. aid given to Ukraine during the administration of his predecessor, Joe Biden. Trump has consistently argued that European nations should contribute more to the cost of Western support for Ukraine’s defense. On Friday, President Trump signed a new bill imposing sanctions on Russia in response to its ongoing war in Ukraine. The legislation, named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham, targets Russia's energy and defense industries, as well as President Vladimir Putin and other high-ranking officials. The bill had faced delays in Congress before finally being approved. In response to the sanctions, Dmitry Medvedev, a senior Russian official and deputy chair of the Security Council, stated on Saturday that Russia should respond with "military deterrence." He did not provide further details on what this might entail, but emphasized that Russia would not be deterred by Western pressure.