Below please find the statement of our Rector Martin Procházka on the current situation in Ukraine, in relation to our Aurora partnership with V.N Karazin Kharkiv National University.
Dear Aurora Alliance Presidents, and
Aurora Alliance Associate Universities’ Presidents
I would like to voice my concerns and deep disappointment regarding the ongoing Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine and the gross violation of international law. I have great fears – not only for the citizens of Ukraine – but also for the values upon which contemporary democratic governments in the countries of the European Union and elsewhere are founded. I fear that not only the people of Ukraine but also all democratic states are now facing a very difficult trial.
Palacký University Olomouc joins in expressing solidarity with the people of Ukraine, with all Ukrainian universities, and their students and employees. Our thoughts and solidarity are especially strong towards our Ukrainian students here, and colleagues and students of our partnering Aurora university, V.N Karazin Kharkiv University, and their families.
Importantly, I am using my voice to convey to you that Palacký University Olomouc, leading the activity Capacity Development Support Programme in Central-Eastern Europe, on behalf of all Aurora Alliance universities, is ready to provide immediate help and has put to use all the existing resources to support the incoming staff and students from Ukraine seeking shelter in Olomouc. Our emergency assistance is organized by the UP Volunteering Centre, and all the aid efforts are coordinated in line with the regional and national authorities.
I would also like to inform you that Palacky University Olomouc has centralized its overview of available resources and help it can offer to our Ukrainian students and partnering staff on the following webpage: https://www.upol.cz/en/ukraine/. These resources are available in Czech, English, and most importantly in Ukrainian.
Finally, Russia’s aggression on Ukraine has severely eroded Czech-Russian collaborations, including academic ones. We are currently considering to discontinue the existing MoUs as well as Erasmus collaboration with Russian and Belorussian Universities, in protest of the developing situation.
Our history and experience allow us to generate deep understanding of the desperate situation Ukraine and its people now find themselves in. We stand together with Ukraine; we stand together with our fellow European citizens, and we invite you to join us!
Martin Procházka
Rector, Palacký University Olomouc
A pdf of this letter can be found here.
