Galtieri invaded the Falklands because he could.
The difference is there’s no Thatcher to oppose Putin.
Ultimately, the question has to be whether Ukrainians have either the inclination or the determination to resist re-absorption into Russia. If they don't, any equipment we hand over to them is wasted. They need to decide whether they want to be an independent country. We can't make that decision for them, given that it may involve significant costs in Ukrainian blood and treasure. In the course of the Revolutionary War, the French extended serious aid to the Patriots only after they showed that they were not only determined but capable. The Ukrainians need to cross that threshold before they get a thin dime from us.