Trump approves first $50 million U.S. arms sale to Ukraine — media

Kyiv Post reported the information, citing diplomatic sources.

The White House recently notified Congress of plans to allow $50 million in defense-related exports to Ukraine through direct commercial sales (DCS). This marks the first such approval since Trump’s return to office over 100 days ago.

The move follows a pause on all Ukraine-related aid while the administration reviewed its strategy, prioritizing diplomacy over long-term military support.

“The news here is basically that it [US arms sales] is continuing, despite everyone predicting that Trump would cut Ukraine off completely,” said Colby Badhwar, a security assistance analyst at Tochnyi.

Unlike Foreign Military Sales, DCS deals are typically handled quietly. Since 2015, the U.S. has approved over $1.6 billion in such defense exports to Ukraine. Congress had already greenlit over $1 billion in potential DCS sales under its latest Ukraine aid package.

The new license covers defense equipment, technical data, and services. It comes shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced plans to purchase up to $50 billion in U.S. air defense and weapons as future security guarantees.

Dr. Michael Cecire of the Rand Corporation said continued U.S. military support could enhance Washington’s influence. 

“The Trump administration has repeatedly communicated its desire for a lasting ceasefire in Ukraine,” he said. “To achieve its goal will require leverage with both Kyiv and Moscow.”

• On April 30, Ukraine and the United States signed an agreement to establish the Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund.