The United States approved a $105 million sale to Ukraine to upgrade and sustain Patriot missile defenses, as Russia keeps pummeling its smaller neighbor.

The State Department said it informed Congress of the deal for parts, training and services on the Patriots, which Ukraine relies on to shoot down incoming missiles.

The sale includes upgrading from M901 to M903 launchers, which can fire more missiles at once.

“The proposed sale will improve Ukraine’s ability to meet current and future threats,” a State Department statement said. (AFP)