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. UPSC IAS Mains 2022 General Studies (Paper – 4)

Securing National Interest is the supreme goal of foreign policy. War is also considered as a means to secure national interest.

However, just war theory sets out principles for a war to be ethical, the war must be:

• Waged by a legitimate authority (State)
• In a just cause.
• Waged with right intentions.
• Have a strong probability of success.
• Be a last resort.
• Be proportional. 

In addition, there are three principles for conduct in war:

• Discrimination (distinguishing between enemy combatants and non-combatants).
• Proportionality (harm must be proportional to gains achieved).
• Actions must be militarily necessary.

Apart from these, there are Indian principles of dharmayuddha, universal peace and nonviolence, Panchsheel, nonaggression, no first use.

Even in the current war, PM Modi has tried to open a new window of peace in Ukraine by conveying his message to Russian President Putin that “Era of war has ended.”