Yes, we should support Ukraine

Matua Kahurangi writes:

Alright, you’re gonna need a vodka for this one. The New Zealand Government has just announced it will send another $16 million of taxpayer money to Ukraine. $16 million taken from hardworking Kiwis and sent overseas to a conflict that has nothing to do with us. While people in this country are sitting on surgery waitlists, teachers are burning out in overcrowded classrooms, and the health system is on its knees, Cindyboy thinks it’s a priority to bankroll one of the most corrupt nations in Europe.

Ukraine is fast becoming the global grift that never ends. 

I like a lot of what MK writes, but here I vehemently disagree with his framing and conclusions.

Ukraine is receiving foreign aid because Putin invaded them, and they are fighting for their survival as a democratic independent country. I am sure they would much much much rather Putin never invaded, and that they wouldn’t be reliant on foreign aid.

Blaming Ukraine for needing aid, is like blaming the Falklands for needing assistance when Argentina invaded.

And I disagree the conflict has nothing to do with us. By that logic Hitler invading Poland had nothing to do with us. We have a huge vested interest in a rules based order, rather than a might based order.