Translated material
Appeal to the academic community of the Russian Federation by Ukrainian scientists
Dear Colleagues!
Professors, teachers and students of the first higher school in Eastern Europe - the Ostroh Academy - turn to you in a difficult moment of the brewing conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine.
Yesterday's support by the Federation Council of the Russian President's appeal regarding the introduction of a military contingent into Ukraine, as well as the actions of Russian troops in Crimea, actually mean the beginning of an armed invasion. It is our deep conviction that today the Russian public is misinformed about the situation in Crimea and Eastern Ukraine by forces trying to incite hostility between our peoples and drag our countries into a bloody war in which there will be no winners or losers. We responsibly declare that in Ukraine, as a free and democratic state, there are no infringements of the rights of national, linguistic or religious minorities, and the staff of the National University “Ostrog Academy” has made and will make every effort to maintain an atmosphere of religious and national tolerance.
We remind you that in the 16th - 17th centuries it was the Ostroh Academy, where the first complete printed edition of the Slavic Bible was published, that was the beacon of learning in the Slavic world, and Ostrog editions were extremely popular in Moscow and Russia. Today, our teachers and students continue to develop and deepen cultural ties between our peoples, participating in conferences, discussing current scientific problems with Russian colleagues, and exchanging publications. We never had any misunderstandings about language or culture. The language of science and education is the language of peace and cooperation.
Dear colleagues, we ask you to use all available means to influence the top leadership of the Russian Federation and do everything possible to prevent war between our peoples.
With respect and hope for peace,
National University team
"Ostrog Academy"