Ukrainian crisis/ Damaging Europe's economy

If U.S. President Barack Obama arms Ukraine, Washington will squander the moral high ground and bloody the United States' conscience. It would also be a betrayal of Europe's interests.

U.S. officials say giving lethal defensive military equipment to the Ukrainian army will enable Kiev to halt the advances of separatists armed by Russia. They say the policy will promote peace by raising the cost of fighting for Putin and forcing him to negotiate.

Russia is more likely to see the decision as a declaration of war and escalate the conflict.

Arming Ukraine Is a Gift to Putin and a Betrayal of Europe