By considering giving weapons to Ukraine, the United States is contemplating a risky venture that advocates say would help end the conflict in Ukraine but opponents warn might fan the flames of war.
A senior U.S. administration official said on Monday that no decision had been made on whether to send arms to help Ukrainian forces fight Russia-backed separatists in the east.
Consideration of such a move stems from frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin's refusal to blink over Ukraine, despite Western sanctions and a financial crisis in Russia, and concern over a surge in violence in past weeks.