More than 20 years after the Ukraine Independence Act that created the country I love, its future hangs in the balance once again.

Hostilities have resumed in Eastern Ukraine and the number of casualties is multiplying. As someone who has seen the modus operandi of Vladimir Putin and his clique up close, I believe the time has come for western powers to arm Ukraine.

The US has already assumed the lead in taking a tougher stand against Russia. For the first time since the Cold War, Europe is in a position where it must face down its fear of Russia and develop a unified strategy to confront the threats of Putin’s regime.

The West must prove that it is truly ready to defend the principles of self-determination, democracy and the rule of law.