(CNN)The fighting in Ukraine may be escalating, but hopes of a decisive breakthrough in talks and a clear and coordinated Western response -- hopes raised by German Chancellor Angela Merkel's visit to Washington on Monday -- have been dashed, at least for now. Intensifying clashes in eastern Ukraine following a new Russian-backed separatist offensive on January 13 have fueled debate over how the United States and others should respond to the uptick in violence, including growing talk of the U.S. sending weapons. Just last week, a report by prominent former diplomats and highly respected members of the U.S. national security establishment argued for a drastic increase in U.S. military aid to Ukraine, including the provision of lethal weapons.
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Fighting has flared again in eastern Ukraine
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Michael Kofman: Angela Merkel right to oppose sending weapons
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With that in mind, it is hard to imagine that @placeholder forces won't intervene further to tilt the balance on the ground against Ukraine.
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This will, of course, come as a disappointment to @placeholder leaders.