I would like to think that giving the Ukrainians weapons would work. But Mother Russia is right next door and many people in Eastern Ukraine are supportive of Russia. They even speak Russian! It may be worth a try. But I’m skeptical it would help.
They only need to be strong enough for Russia to get the message that its not worth invading.
A recent poll says most of those in “east” Ukraine want to remain part of Ukraine.
Ukrainians speaking Russian is due to centuries of anti-Ukrainian language policies. It is similar to how the Irish speak English. Eastern Ukrainian support for Russia is heavily overstated by Russian propaganda. Majority of people support Ukraine.