The United States has approved a potential $2.68 billion foreign military sale to Ukraine aimed at strengthening the country's air defences as Russian missile and drone attacks continue to strain Kyiv's ability to protect its cities and infrastructure.

The proposed package includes S 300 Clone missiles, GAM 67 missiles, extended range laser guided air defence missiles, launcher systems and modification kits, RPS 202 counter drone radars, trailers, spare parts, software and logistical and technical support. The sale remains subject to congressional review.

If completed, the purchase would be financed through a combination of European contributions and US Foreign Military Financing funds appropriated during the administration of former President Joe Biden.

The approval does not itself mean that the weapons have been delivered or that a final contract has been signed. It clears the proposed sale through the State Department before the required congressional process.

The package comes as Ukraine faces continued Russian aerial attacks. Russian missile and drone strikes this week injured at least 19 people, including children, in Kyiv and surrounding areas, according to Ukrainian authorities. Residential buildings were also damaged in Odesa.

Trump signs sweeping Russia sanctions law

The weapons decision coincides with a significant escalation in Washington's economic pressure on Moscow.

President Donald Trump signed a broad Russia sanctions bill into law on Friday after it cleared Congress. The legislation targets Russia's energy and defence industries as well as the so called shadow fleet of tankers used to move Russian oil and circumvent Western restrictions.

The law also gives the president authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on goods from major buyers of Russian oil and gas or countries judged to be facilitating sanctions evasion. The provision could have consequences for major Russian energy customers including China and India.

The Kremlin had warned before the legislation was signed that additional US sanctions would make efforts to reach a settlement in Ukraine more difficult.

The economic measures come as US led diplomatic efforts to end the war remain stalled over fundamental disagreements between Moscow and Kyiv, particularly over territory.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Saturday that Moscow was unaware of reports that Washington could pursue business agreements with Russia before the war ends. He said Russia had instead heard the opposite message from Washington: that progress on Ukraine should come first, with economic projects following later.

Black Sea tensions rise

Military pressure is also increasing around Ukraine's maritime routes.

Russia's Defence Ministry said on Saturday that Russian forces had struck a Ukrainian cargo vessel and a tanker in the Black Sea and at a Ukrainian port, according to Interfax. Reuters said it could not independently verify the Russian account.

The growing number of attacks on commercial shipping has already prompted London's marine insurance market to expand its designated high risk zone to encompass the entire Black Sea.

The conflict at sea has added another layer of pressure to Ukraine's economy, with Black Sea ports remaining critical to the country's agricultural exports.

Zelensky launches Carpathian Eight

Ukraine is simultaneously seeking deeper regional cooperation.

President Volodymyr Zelensky launched the Carpathian Eight, an initiative bringing together countries from Central and Eastern Europe to expand cooperation on trade, energy and security.

More than 50 agreements worth over €1 billion, or about $1.15 billion, were signed during a summit in western Ukraine, according to Zelensky. More than half of the agreements involved renewable energy projects.

Poland also announced that it had joined an anti ballistic missile coalition with Ukraine and other partners aimed at developing a cheaper alternative to expensive systems such as the US made Patriot.

Drone incidents surge around British military sites

Concerns over aerial threats are spreading beyond Ukraine.

Britain recorded 340 drone related security incidents at or near Ministry of Defence sites during the 12 months to August 2026, according to figures obtained by The Independent.

The newspaper reported that the figure had risen from 250 incidents in the previous year and 126 the year before that. The Ministry of Defence did not identify who was responsible for the flights.

The figures therefore do not establish that Russia was responsible for the incidents.

They have nevertheless emerged amid heightened concern in European governments over drones, sabotage and other potential security threats linked to the wider confrontation with Moscow.

Britain's Ministry of Defence said the government takes the threat posed by hostile drones around defence facilities seriously and that Britain and its allies remain vigilant against potential threats.

Russia, meanwhile, has protested against Britain's continued supply of drones and other weapons systems to Ukraine.

Poland also temporarily activated military aircraft, ground based air defences and radar systems on Saturday as a precaution during Russian strikes on Ukraine. The Polish military later ended the operation and said no violation of Polish airspace had been detected.

The developments highlight the widening security consequences of a war now well into its fifth year, with Ukraine seeking more sophisticated air defences while neighbouring NATO countries increasingly strengthen their own protection against missiles and drones.