Opinion: Putin’s war may line the pockets of American ammunition manufacturers but it still is barbaric and unjustified.

To the editor:

Many Americans are vehemently opposed to the United States providing the Ukrainians with military aid and assistance.  The reasons offered are threefold: Putin is justifiably concerned that NATO is absorbing the countries perilously close to Russia, breaking a promise allegedly made years ago, that American munitions manufacturers, and their legislative benefactors are making billions of dollars, and the Ukrainian government continues to be corrupt.

Even if all these reasons are correct, in whole or in part, the war still is barbaric and innocent Ukrainians are being brutally tortured, murdered and  dispossessed of their homes and resources, and the country’s infrastructure is decimated.  This assault defies all previously instituted war conventions established after the world wars.

It is undeniable that the United States openly, or clandestinely, has waged wars at times with less than humane motivations and that there has always been a segment of the country that promotes intervention to increase their fortunes and enhance legislative or military careers. 

Betty Ussach,

Dartmouth