“Our protest will help save lives.” Skoltech students speak out against the war with Ukraine

Students and scientists of the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech) demanded that the administration of the university "express a consolidated protest" against Russia's military actions on the territory of Ukraine. The students' letter, which was sent to teachers on February 28, was given to Meduza by a source at Skoltech. It was signed by dozens of undergraduates, graduate students, scientists and graduates of the university.

The world community is categorically against the military actions carried out by the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine. UN Secretary General António Guterres called for a halt to hostilities. The Skoltech student community is also extremely concerned about what is happening. We believe that there is always a diplomatic solution to resolve foreign policy issues. As an institution based on the principles of international cooperation, we cannot but demand just such a resolution of conflicts.

The events of recent days demonstrate the colossal influence of the foreign policy situation on the well-being and prosperity of Russian science. We have no right to stay away. Skoltech is a recognized and authoritative university in the international scientific community. Now the future of Skoltech is in jeopardy, and protesting against military action only by private individuals affiliated with Skoltech is not enough.

Under the circumstances, the leadership, teachers, staff, students and graduates of the university must strongly protest the military actions in Ukraine in order to restore peace, preserve people's lives and safety. We value a peaceful life in which there is a place for cooperation, creativity and prosperity. We look forward to restoring and maintaining international relations with world universities and foreign colleagues, partnerships with which have been built for many years. Peace and human lives are priceless. Our consolidated protest regarding the military actions of the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine will help save lives!

• The Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology was established in 2011 with the participation of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). After the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, MIT announced the end of cooperation with Skoltech.