It is with a sense of dismay and deep concern that we are following the current events in Ukraine. We condemn the Russian government’s military offensive in the strongest possible terms. We think that the Russian attack on a sovereign European state is a blatant breach of international law that cannot be justified in any way. Today, political conflicts should no longer be solved by acts of war, but by diplomatic means. We declare our solidarity with the Ukrainian people, but our thoughts are also with the Russian citizens who are not behind this war. Together with all universities in Switzerland, we are examining how we might be able to assist affected colleagues from Ukraine within the framework of the “Scholars at Risk” network.
We should like to make it clear that we at ZHdK want to offer our staff and students a safe space. We shall continue to focus on establishing dialogue, on coexisting together in peace, and on practising tolerance and diversity.
There are currently students and staff at ZHdK from the affected region. We can offer people for them to contact if they need support. We are also going to contact these members of our staff and student body on an individual basis.
On behalf of the University Board
Thomas D. Meier, President