Russia and Ukraine war has been going on for the last seven months. Different countries have taken independent stands and actions keeping in view their own national interests. We are all aware that war has its own impact on the different aspects of society, including human tragedy. What are those ethical issues that are crucial to be considered while launching the war and its continuation so far? Illustrate with justification the ethical issues involved in the given state of affair.

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“War does not determine who is right – only who is left.” – Bertrand Russell

The Russia-Ukraine conflict serves as a grim case study for the tension between Realpolitik (national interest) and Global Ethics.

Stance by Different Countries

Impact of War on Different Aspects of Society

Human Tragedy- Russian casualties approaching 1.4 million in 2025

Displacement Crisis- Over 14 million Ukrainians

Global Food Insecurity

Energy Volatility- “energy poverty” for low-income households.

Environmental “Ecocide”- Eg- destruction of the Kakhovka Dam

“War Trauma” for an entire generation of children

Erosion of “Rules-Based Order” (violation of the UN Charter)

Ethical issues to be considered while launching and continuing war

Adherence to principles of Just War Theory – Jus ad Bellum (the right to go to war) and Jus in Bello (right conduct within war).

Impact on Human Rights

Mass Casualties

War inflation disproportionately impacting poor

Refugee crisis

Violation of principle Proportionality. Eg- mass bombing of cities like Kiev

Utilitarian principle of ‘greatest happiness’ violated due to prolonged war.

Principle of Last resort not followed as Russian invasion was preemptive.

Responsibility to future generations violated. Eg- damage to infrastructure and ecology.

Truth and transparency principles not followed. Eg- online propaganda and misinformation.

Global injustice – Eg- Wheat shortages in Africa due to Black Sea blockade.

Moral restraint in weapon use not followed. Eg- cluster bomb and vaccum bomb used by Russia.

Reports of torture and summary executions of Prisoners of War violate the Geneva Conventions

Failure in ensuring accountability for war crimes

The war is a reflection of “rationality” becoming servant to “Will to Power.” A just resolution requires Jus post Bellum framework (Justice after War)