US approves potential sale of Starlink services, Patriot equipment to Ukraine
Starlink logo is seen on a smartphone in front of displayed Ukrainian flag in this illustration taken Feb 27, 2022.
PHOTO: Reuters file
The US State Department has approved the potential sale of Starlink services and related equipment and Patriot air defence sustainment and related equipment to Ukraine, the Pentagon said on Friday (Aug 29).
The transactions are worth US$150 million (S$192 million) and US$179 million, respectively. On Thursday, the Pentagon announced US approval for the sale of air-launched cruise missiles and related equipment to Ukraine for an estimated US$825 million.
The Trump administration has agreed with European allies to step up military support for Kyiv as US President Donald Trump seeks to pressure Russia into agreeing a peace deal to end its war in Ukraine. Under the agreement, European governments will pay for US weapons on Ukraine's behalf.
Starlink has been integral to Ukraine's communications on the battlefield, including its control of drones, the backbone of its military's strikes on Russian forces.
The Patriot systems have proven effective at destroying Russian ballistic missiles aimed at Ukraine's cities.
Despite approval by the State Department, the notifications do not indicate that contracts have been signed or that negotiations have concluded.
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