Media: Trump Administration Approves Arms Sales To Ukraine For The First Time

• 1.05.2025, 9:15

For 50 million dollars.

The administration of US President Donald Trump has notified Congress of its intention to authorize $50 million worth of defense exports to Ukraine through direct commercial sales (DCS).

It was reported by Kyiv Post, citing sources in diplomatic circles.

It is noted that this is the first time this has happened since Trump returned to the White House more than 100 days ago. Until now, the US administration has prioritized ending the war in Ukraine through diplomacy over military support.

"All direct commercial sales (DCS) operate quietly; they are not announced publicly, like the sale of military equipment overseas. The news here is that [U.S. arms sales] continue despite all predictions that Trump will cut Ukraine off completely," a security analyst at Tochnyi Research Group told the publication.

It is noted that the notification authorizing the $50 million arms sale to Ukraine was submitted to Congress under the Arms Export Control Act, which gives the U.S. president the authority to control the import and export of defense goods and services. The corresponding official notification was received by Congress from the US State Department's Office of Legislative Affairs.

A defense and security policy researcher at the Rand Corporation Michael Cecere, a nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization, believes that if U.S. military aid to Ukraine continues - whether it is through extending previous aid packages or using the president's emergency arms transfer mechanism - it will only strengthen the U.S. negotiating position.

"The Trump administration has repeatedly stated its desire for a prolonged ceasefire in Ukraine. To achieve this goal, the US needs leverage over both Kiev and Moscow," Cecire told the Kyiv Post in a commentary.