@Kng Stannis
@gourimoko
A brief comment (I will respond more tomorrow), several of us (gourimoko and others) had a healthy discussion on the topic of Ukraine last year about this time. A lot has changed in Ukraine since that time. A lot hasn't. There isn't a easy answer to the question of whether U.S. should arm Ukraine. I am pro-Ukraine 100%, but I am hesitant to give a quick and definitive 'yes' to that question. Clearly, a lot needs to be taken into consideration.
For one, what does it mean to arm Ukraine. Arm exactly with what? Just what Ukraine cannot manufacture themselves? I highly suggest reading an
article by Nicolai Holmov from Odessa Talk. Ukraine can manufacture some serious arms for themselves, but it is a question of how quickly and a matter of dealing with corruption. Months and months will pass before it will be enough. But, what about what they cannot manufacture? How quickly can it be delivered? Will it be too late? Too late in what sense?
One of my biggest qualms is: is Ukraine willing and able to rid itself of corruption? Definite steps have been taken in that direction, but it is a matter of whether the end goal will come to fruition. Perhaps it shouldn't be a factor. If not, then the U.S. needs to be honest about its intent--it isn't so much about protecting Ukraine as it is about trying to thwart Russia's aggression, which in itself is disconcerting at a very minimum.
Another issue to consider, would another round of sanctions be a better option for the time being. The sanctions (as with the drop in the price of oil) are clearly hurting Russia.
My take on the matter is that Russia is not intent on annexing Ukraine. However, It is hell bent on controlling how Ukraine is ruled. The more land in Ukraine it can bring under its sphere of influence (rule by proxy), the greater the ability it
believes it can determine what happens in Kiev. At this point, much of Ukraine is of the opinion of telling Russia to fuck off, for once and all. I don't think Ukraine is ever going to be willing to allow Russia to dictate its affairs, not to the extent that the country will turn to Russia. Ukraine is looking to the West. That is not going to change.
Doing nothing isn't an option, or shouldn't be one. Blindly dumping money into the country comes with its own risks in that it may disappear.
I know that was a bit disjointed. But the subject is convoluted.