Your argument creates dangerous implications. If a programmer creates targeted malware as an act of war - wouldn't that make him a valid military target? Would

Your argument creates dangerous implications. If a programmer creates targeted malware as an act of war - wouldn't that make him a valid military target? Would Russia be legitimised to carpet bomb wherever that programmer is supposed to live in retaliation? If not, would they be legitimised to capture and execute him - because he certainly isn't a legitimate combatant?