It is absurd to label politicians and countries that support Ukraine’s defense against Russia as “warmongers” or “pro-war,” yet such absurd claims are rampant on social media. Is this a classic example of blaming the firefighters for trying to put out the fire, or is it part of a larger disinformation war?
When a sovereign state is invaded, it is a moral obligation for the international community to come to its aid, especially when the aggressors show blatant disregard for international law, the rules of war, and human decency.
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Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is illegal and unjust, an affront to the principles of sovereignty, self-determination and humanity. Those who support Ukraine do so not out of warmongerism, but out of a commitment to justice and the upholding of the international order. To support Ukraine is to defend the country’s right to exist without fear of unprovoked aggression. It is to stand up to a tyrant who thinks he can redraw borders through violence. Putin is a criminal and a tyrant of the first order. And tyrants hate more than anything their victims who fight back.
One is forgiven for wondering where the terms “warmonger” and “pro-war” come from in this context. It is as if critics believe that helping a friend in need is tantamount to inciting a brawl. Imagine this: a mugger attacks someone on the street. Would you call someone who steps in to stop the attack a “violence maniac”? Of course not. You would recognise him as a hero. So why is it different when the stage is global, and national sovereignty is at stake? Is it simply because the international scale makes it harder for some to see the bigger picture?
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The real warmongers are those who start wars, not those who intervene to help the invaded. Russia’s actions have resulted in countless deaths, mass displacement, and widespread destruction. Countries supporting Ukraine aim to stop this senseless aggression, not to perpetuate it. They send aid and arms not to escalate the war, but to help Ukraine defend itself, deter further aggression, and restore peace.
There are also practical considerations. If Russian aggression is allowed to go unchecked, it will set a dangerous precedent. It will send a signal to other authoritarian regimes that they, too, can invade their neighbors with little or no repercussions. The world is a more dangerous place when bullies are allowed to roam free. Supporting Ukraine is a stance against this chaos, and a stance in favor of a world where rules matter and might is not right.
It is important to understand the difference between supporting a nation’s right to self-defense and encouraging war for the sake of conflict. The former is upholding principles and protecting innocent people, while the latter is seeking destruction for personal or political gain. Countries supporting Ukraine are definitely in the former camp. They do so because they do not want war, but because they need peace and justice.
Some may argue that sending weapons would increase violence. But this view ignores the reality that Ukraine did not choose this war, nor did it choose to be invaded. Allowing Russia to overwhelm Ukraine instead of providing support would be exactly what the propaganda aims to do, and would lead to more suffering and instability. It is like saying that when you are under attack, don’t defend yourself because you might get hurt more. This is a naive and dangerous stance. It is a stance that is difficult for any thinking person to understand, and it is no wonder that people seriously question the motives of those who say Ukraine should just roll over and submit to Vladimir Putin.
When politicians and nations decide to support Ukraine, it is a tough but necessary choice. They are acknowledging that sometimes you must fight for peace. Yes, you must fight. They are acknowledging that sitting back and doing nothing in the face of aggression is not an option. This is not about glorifying war. It is about preventing further atrocities and maintaining a semblance of order in a world that desperately needs it. We need stronger, more determined defensive action than we’ve seen since the end of World War II.
Calling Ukraine supporters “warmongers” is a lazy and misguided criticism, if there were no other factors motivating these statements. It is an attempt to oversimplify a complex situation and paint those who value justice and peace as thugs. The real villains here are clear: they are not those who support Ukraine; they are those who seek conquest through violence, who ignore international law, and who think they can get away with it.
Supporting Ukraine is an act of solidarity and courage, not a call for war. It is doing the right thing in the face of overwhelming evil, and it deserves praise, not criticism.
Perhaps John Stuart Mill said it best: “War is an ugly thing, but it is not the ugliest thing; far worse is the depravity and depravity of morals and patriotism that makes it seem unworthy of war. Men who have no cause to fight for, and nothing more dear to them than their own safety, are miserable beings, and have no hope of ever being free, unless they are made and kept free by the efforts of better men than themselves.”
The views expressed in this opinion piece are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Kyiv Post.
