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Ukraine crisis: Supporting Ukraine

Image: Sebastian Ziebell [CC BY-ND 2.0], via Flickr

Nations across Europe continue to reshape research ties in response to the Russian invasion

Exactly one month after Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, the toll of the war continues to mount, with more than 3.5 million now refugees from the war and hundreds of civilians reported killed along with thousands of soldiers. 

As universities and research organisations ramp up protests by cutting more ties with their Russian peers, Research Europe’s correspondents have been tracking responses in countries around the EU.

Jason Walsh in Paris

After the Russian Union of Rectors described president Vladimir Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine as “necessary”, France Universités, the association of French university presidents, suspended its links with its Russian equivalent.

In a statement published in both French and Russian on 10 March, the group wrote of its “amazement” at the position taken by the Russian rectors. It said the memorandum of understanding signed between the two in 2013 would be frozen until further notice.

Erik te Roller in Haarlem

In the Netherlands, universities and research institutes ceased cooperation with Russia and Belarus on 4 March after an appeal from education minister Robbert Dijkgraaf.

As part of the boycott, researchers from Russian or Belarusian institutions will not be able to participate in the evaluation of research proposals as referees or committee members.

But institutions in the Netherlands have also stressed the importance of keeping the door open for relationships with their Russian counterparts to resume in the future. “These contacts will form the basis for normalising relations again later,” said Dijkgraaf.

Anthea Lacchia in Wicklow

Ireland’s higher education minister Simon Harris has said that Ukrainian students coming to Ireland will be given European fee status instead of having to pay international fees.

Harris also said that Ukrainian students would have access to student grants and support, including English language training for those who needed it. He promised that the Irish government would work with universities to ensure Irish students in Ukraine, and Ukrainian students coming to Ireland, would be able to continue their studies.

Although he said Ireland was “united in the EU’s stance that Russia’s war is illegal, immoral and unjustified”, he added that the government was conscious that the actions of the Russian state were “no reflection on its people”.

Hristio Boytchev in Berlin

German ministers will team up to create what they call a “science bridge” to Ukraine, which will support academics and students affected by the Russian invasion.

The Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs proposed the initiative on 11 March to enable students to continue their studies and research even if they have to flee Ukraine.

Across Europe, people are hoping that high-level peace talks between Russia and Ukraine will bring an end to the war. But until that point is reached, universities and research institutes across Europe continue to show their support for Ukraine in any way they can.  

This article also appeared in Research Europe