As the crisis in Ukraine continues, the U.S. is considering giving weapons  to the Ukraine forces. In Feb. 2014 Russia and Ukraine engaged in a conflict after the Ukrainian revolution. Then President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych was driven out of office and replaced by Oleksandr Turchynov, and a new government was formed. This new government was recognized by the U.S. and the E.U., though not by Russia.

Russian troops were dispatched to Ukraine and took control of strategic areas. Though President Vladimir Putin initially dodged allegations that Russian troops were in the country, he confirmed in April that this was the case. The Russian intervention resulted in the Crimean Crises, the absorption of Crimea into the Russian Federation.

Until now the U.S. has been aiding Ukraine in the form of defense, such as body armor and first aid, though with separatists continuing their attacks with the help of Russia. General Phillip M. Breedlove, NATO’s military commander supports aid in the form of weaponry. At this point President Obama has made no official decision on supplying Ukraine with weaponry, however John Kerry, Secretary of State, is open to discussion on the use of a more offensive aid plan and plans to visit Ukraine’s capitol, Kiev, on Thursday.

Due to the complicated political and military situation in the region, there are risks in both providing and not providing aid. Arguments for aid may point to increasing military force on the part of the separatists as well as more sophisticated weaponry which, according to Western officials, points to a presence of Russian intelligence officers in the region. On the other hand, providing weaponry may result in more aggression on the part of President Putin and an increase in tension between the Russian Federation and the U.S.

A report issued by the Atlantic Council argues for more action to ensure Ukraine’s independence from Russia and details a plan for giving aid such as more sophisticated communication equipment and radar devices, and light anti-armor missiles. The report also suggests that once the U.S. begins aiding Ukraine, other nations such as Canada, the U.K., Poland and the Baltic States may follow suit.