Statement of the Presidium of the Union of Rectors of Higher Educational Institutions of Ukraine, adopted at an extended meeting in the city of Kyiv on March 25, 2014

The Russian Federation’s occupation and annexation of an integral part of Ukraine – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea – is a gross violation of the norms of international law.

The Union of Rectors of Higher Educational Institutions of Ukraine strongly protests and condemns the decision of the authorities of the Russian Federation to use the armed forces of Russia on the territory of the sovereign and independent state of Ukraine. We are deeply disturbed by the aggression and demand its cessation.

We support all actions of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, aimed at preserving the independence and integrity of our state, and ask to use all the means provided by legislation and international practice to oppose the annexation of an integral part of Ukraine – Crimea, and to prevent bloodshed and chaos. We approve the policy of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine aimed at ensuring the rights of Crimean residents to quality and affordable education.

We call on the United Nations, the European Commission, the Council of Europe, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, as well as other international organizations to take all measures to preserve the integrity and indivisibility of Ukraine as a UN founding state.

We ask our colleagues, the world and Russian scientific and academic community to condemn the aggression and stand up for universal human values.

We assure our Crimean friends: our universities are open to cooperation with you, we are waiting for you at any time.

We appeal to the entire educational and scientific community of Ukraine: our country is going through difficult times and unity is our strength, only with joint efforts we can build a developed democratic state. We call on Ukrainian educators and scientists, teachers and students, all the people of Ukraine to rally and unite, to keep calm and patience, to be tolerant and balanced. If the need arises, we are all ready to defend the Motherland in an organized and decisive manner.

Glory to Ukraine!