Conflict in Ukraine: A message from the President and Vice-Chancellor

“Our University community has, like many, watched with horror as the Russian Government’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine has escalated over the last two weeks.

This action is profoundly disturbing and I speak on behalf of the entire University in condemning the Kremlin’s actions and offering our unequivocal support for the people of Ukraine and our peers at Ukrainian universities.

We are taking active steps to support our staff, students and peers who’ve been affected by the situation and we will continue to follow advice from the UK government to find further ways to help those in need during this terrible conflict.”

We, as a University community, stand with millions of others around world to support the fundamental values of freedom, democracy and humanity, and we echo the international calls for a peaceful end to this terrible conflict.”

A message from Registrar and Secretary, Geoff Green

At Leicester we have a small but valued community of Ukrainian staff and students, whom we have reached out to directly, and continue to support in various ways.

We also understand the impact that this action is likely to have on other members of our community – and we are mindful of the position of other staff and students, for example from Russia, many of whom oppose this conflict.

At any one time, there are more than 20 conflicts estimated to be taking place globally. Many of our colleagues are affected by such events and we stand with them and their families. 

If you are a staff member and have any worries or concerns at all, no matter how far removed from the situation you are, please talk to your line manager in the first instance. You can also find resources on our staff health and wellbeing pages, including external mental health support available 24/7.

If you are student who is affected by the situation, please contact concerned@le.ac.uk and one of the team will get in touch directly.

If you wish to provide support we are recommending financial donations to the International Red Cross.

Universities UK says:

“The appalling decision of the Russian Government to invade Ukraine, and the consequences of this profoundly disturbing action, will affect many people across the higher education community. We unequivocally condemn the invasion and express our support for Ukrainian universities, staff and students.”

Further information on the steps being taken by UUK in response to the crisis can be found here.