2022 · GS Paper 4 · Q5(a) · 10 marks
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.
In short
The Russia-Ukraine war raises ethical issues of just cause, last resort and right intention at its launch, and of civilian protection, nuclear risk and humanitarian access in its continuation. Article 2(4) of the UN Charter bars force against a sovereign state's territorial integrity.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 283 words
Just cause and sovereignty
Article 2(4) of the UN Charter bars force against a state's territorial integrity, whatever the security fears over NATO's expansion.
Last resort
The Minsk agreements and early-2022 talks were abandoned for invasion before diplomacy had failed.
Right intention
The UN General Assembly deplored the aggression by 141 votes in March 2022, treating "denazification" as pretext.
Foreseeable consequences
Leaders must weigh harm to outsiders, yet blocked grain exports raised food and fuel prices across the Global South.
Distinction
The Bucha killings (2022) and winter strikes on the power grid breach the Geneva Conventions' protection of civilians.
Reckless risk
Fighting around Zaporizhzhia, Europe's largest nuclear plant, risked a radiological disaster for a whole region.
Humanitarian access
The Black Sea Grain Initiative, brokered by the UN and Turkey in July 2022, showed that even warring parties can protect food supplies.
Duty of others
India's message that "today's era is not of war" (Samarkand, 2022), with aid to Ukraine, modelled dialogue and relief.
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This chapter in the exam
Ethical issues in international relations and funding9 questions
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Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2022 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.