The ethics of war and peace settlement: Philosophical approaches in the context of the Russia-Ukraine War

Abstract

The aim of this study is to critically analyze philosophical approaches to the ethics of war and peace settlement in the context of modern conflicts, particularly the Russia-Ukraine war. Special attention is given to the moral legitimacy of armed resistance against aggression, the ethics of hybrid warfare, and issues related to achieving a just peace after the conflict’s conclusion. The primary research methods used include critical analysis of scholarly works, comparison of different philosophical approaches to just war, and the synthesis of philosophical concepts concerning accountability for war crimes and the restoration of victims’ rights. The study also highlights the role of media and information technologies in shaping ethical judgments about modern military conflicts. It examines how propaganda and information warfare affect the moral understanding of just war and the actions of the conflicting parties. Additionally, the research explores the relationship between the moral responsibility of aggressor states and international law, focusing on war crimes prosecution and the protection of human rights during and after conflicts. The main findings of the study indicate the need to update the traditional theory of just war in light of modern forms of conflict, such as hybrid warfare and information-based aggression. Additionally, the impact of economic sanctions on civilian populations is explored as a form of new aggression that falls outside traditional norms of warfare. The scientific novelty of this article lies in expanding the ethical boundaries of evaluating war, considering new challenges in global politics. The theoretical significance of the research lies in providing a deeper understanding of contemporary philosophical approaches to just war and post-war justice. The practical significance is reflected in the potential application of the research findings to develop new international ethical standards for assessing modern conflicts and mechanisms for restoring peace.