The Trump administration has quietly approved a landmark $850 million arms package for Ukraine, authorizing the sale of 3,350 Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) air-launched missiles, which are expected to arrive within six weeks, according to the Wall Street Journal. These long-range missiles, capable of striking targets at distances between 240 and 450 km (approximately 150–280 miles), are being largely financed by European nations and come with strict caveats: their actual deployment will require additional clearance from the Pentagon.
This move underscores a broader U.S. strategic posture: while pledging support to Ukraine, Washington is maintaining careful control over the use of its most potent weaponry. A Pentagon-level review mechanism, crafted under policy chief Elbridge Colby and overseen by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, continues to restrict Ukraine’s ability to launch long-range strikes into Russian territory—a policy that has remained in place since late spring despite earlier loosening under the previous administration.
The approval was reportedly delayed pending President Trump’s talks with both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, signaling a diplomatic balancing act in addition to an arms commitment . While the U.S. awaits formal signaling on the missiles’ deployment, Ukraine continues to rely on other Western systems such as GMLRS rocket munitions and air-defense assets—tools that bolster its defensive posture within its own borders.
