BASEES Statement on Russia's act of aggression against Ukraine

The BASEES committee wishes to express its horror and deep sadness over this morning’s news from Ukraine. We condemn utterly this unprovoked act of aggression by the Russian government that defies the principles of co-existence of democratic nations, championed also by Russian leaders post-1991, and wish to express our solidarity with the Ukrainian people, whose democratic freedoms and right to self-determination are now under direct attack. We also wish to express our solidarity with the Russian people, who long ago lost the same freedoms Ukrainians now stand to lose and who bear no responsibility for the actions of their leaders. 

As a scholarly organisation devoted to the study of Eastern and Central Europe, BASEES includes many members in both Ukraine and Russia who will be directly affected by the unfolding situation, and we wish to place on record, in particular, our support for them. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will do untold damage not just to the Ukrainian people and the international security situation, but to cultural ties between Russia and other countries of continental Europe and the UK (including academic collaboration) at the precise moment when they are most needed. 

We reiterate that genuine intercultural dialogue and understanding offer our best hope of a more peaceful world, and we commit to doing all we can to preserve them in this dangerous moment. 

24/02/2022