The United States government led by President Donald Trump, on Thursday May 1, 2025, approved its first sale of military equipment to Ukraine since taking office.
This approval signals a major shift in U.S. support for Ukraine as tensions with Russia remains high.
The U.S State Department certified a proposed license to export over $50 million in defense equipment and services to Ukraine.
This development followed a new minerals agreement signed by both countries on earlier this week.
Military officials believe the deal may unlock more military cooperation between Washington and Kyiv.
The U.S. Committee on Foreign Relations also received a formal notification of the arms export proposal.
It marks the first Ukraine-related military approval since Trump suspended assistance early in his presidency.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine linked the arms deal to a recent meeting with Trump.
It could be recalled that both leaders held discussions during the Pope’s funeral on Saturday, April 26, 2025, in Vatican City.
Zelenskyy described the agreement as a direct outcome of the high-level encounter in Rome.
He called the development historic and praised the fairness of the minerals agreement.
Zelenskyy emphasized that the deal allows major investments in Ukraine’s critical resources.
In his address, he said more results from the Vatican meeting were expected soon.
Mykhailo Podolyak, a senior aide to the president expressed hope for quick resumption of U.S. weapons deliveries.
Podolyak, speaking in Kyiv, confirmed that the U.S. did not promise specific weapons in writing.
However, he said the agreement opens the door for deeper defense negotiations.
Podolyak noted also that the American side now welcomes direct discussions on weapons acquisition.
He said the minerals deal created momentum for renewed military talks with the United States.
U.S. officials have not publicly detailed what equipment might be included in the proposed sale.
It is believed that the approval could include drones, communications gear, or anti-tank missiles.
Ukrainian forces continue to face Russian military aggression, especially in the eastern Donbas region.
Kyiv sees American military support as vital to defending its territorial integrity and sovereignty.
President Trump has faced criticism in the past for halting Ukraine military aid.
His latest decision could shift perceptions about U.S. commitment to Ukrainian security.
The White House has not released an official statement on the military export license.
However, Ukraine’s government views this approval as a strategic step toward broader defense cooperation with Washington.
The U.S. Congress may still review the proposal before any final shipment occurs.
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