Crucially, this package will include long-range missiles and supporting equipment, ostensibly to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities, though the Kremlin is going to interpret this as another act of US escalation, given the long-range capability.

The US State Department announced on Thursday that it had formally notified Congress about the sale, denoting 3,350 extended-range attack munition (ERAM) missiles are part of it. Additionally an equal number of GPS navigation units and other parts are included. 

Funding for the purchase will come not only from US foreign military assistance but also from NATO partners Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway, according to the announcement - which is according to Trump's desire of getting Europe to shoulder more of the burden.

"This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe," the State Dept. said.

Meanwhile Ukraine's Zelensky has announced that a complete framework of "security guarantees" for Kiev in case of a ceasefire or peace deal is going to be ready as early as next week - but its contents will surely not be to Moscow's liking, and so will be dead on arrival.

The European powers have been pushing for this to be as robust as possible, including Western troops to enforce the terms, and even air power - or a 'European defense shield'.

"There has been a lot of talk about security guarantees. National security advisers are currently working on the development of each specific component, and next week the entire configuration will be on paper," Zelensky added.

The reality is the sides are talking past each other, while cross-border attacks persist and even ramp up. This week saw Russia's second-largest aerial deadly assault on Ukraine of the war, which included around 600 missiles and drones. Ukrainian officials are pushing for maximal demands from the West - perhaps now more than ever...