"In the heart of Europe we see Russia embolden by a significant modernization of its military, resurrecting old imperial ambitions and intent on conquest once again," McCain said addressing the Munich Security Conference.
The 78-year-old politician once again accused Russia of military aggression against Ukraine, claiming that President Vladimir Putin "does not want a diplomatic solution," but wants to "dominate Ukraine as well Russia's other neighbors."
McCain argued that the West must provide "defensive arms" to Kiev in order to "increase the military cost" of alleged Russian forces in Ukraine.
Moscow has repeatedly stated that there is only a political solution to the Ukrainian crisis. Moreover, Russia along with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) mediates Contact Group talks between Kiev and Donetsk and Luhansk people's republics.
Russia is also part of the Normandy format talks on Ukrainian reconciliation, which also includes Ukraine, Germany and France.
Washington currently provides Kiev with non-lethal assistance. In January, western media, citing sources in the US government, reported that Washington is considering supplying lethal aid to Kiev, such as Javelin anti-tank missiles.
