Ukraine's largest drone raid on Moscow
Ukraine launched its largest-ever drone attack on Moscow on 18 June, targeting an oil refinery on the city's edge. The attack caused civilian injuries and damage to private property, raising ethical concerns about the strategy of 'morale bombing' Russian civilians.
Professor's critique
Prof Christian Enemark from the University of Southampton argues that deliberately harming civilians is unjust, even in self-defense. He states, 'Russian civilians are not morally liable to attack. Unlike enemy combatants, civilians lack the capacity to injure or kill, so they present no military threat to be violently neutralised.'
Impact on legitimacy
Enemark warns that such tactics could undermine Ukraine's self-defensive war effort. He emphasizes that 'two wrongs do not make a right' and that Ukraine should respect the innocence of all civilians to maintain the justness of its cause.
Broader context
Since Russia's invasion in February 2022, Russian forces have repeatedly targeted Ukrainian civilians. However, Enemark insists that Ukraine must not retaliate with indiscriminate attacks, as it would erode moral authority.
