STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF ACADEMICIANS OF UKRAINE

In 2017, I was invited by Dr. Zayachkivska, Chair of the Physiology Department in Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, to participate a scientifi c conference at your institution Lviv. had pleasure discussing neurobiology PTSD, evaluating work young scientists, and, course, meeting many you, very fondly recall our time together beautiful city. Since then, we have maintained contact. I’m honored be editor and reviewer for Proceedings Shevchenko Scientifi Society nowadays. Today would like express my unequivocal solidarity with you all Ukrainians, who are resisting unprovoked, totally unjustified brutal war being waged against Russian Federation. Along rest civilized world, recoil horror indiscriminate bombing hospitals, schools, homes murder so innocents, including women children. Know that I, countless others me, thoughts actions. We condemn illegal acts Putin’s regime. call on members global academic community recognize that, as cannot sit idly laboratories or offices while crimes committed front eyes. moral obligation end this wanton killing destruction. Let us urge respective governments continuously increase economic political pressure Federation immediately stop war. interim, need demand no fly zone allow those wish leave safe passage humanitarian aid reach living under siege basements bunkers, often without food, water, medical assistance. parallel, countries prepared receive refugees provide financial support Ukraine she fights her existence. addition, colleagues personally through their institutions suspend activity scientists Federation, two exceptions. should continue collaborations impact direct clinical care. descend abject evil practiced lost humanity. also reward declare opposition systematic wide-ranging violence government is engaged in. The suspension contacts must until stops armed forces every part Ukraine’s territory. appeal academics know Russia’s descent into its present autocracy has been gradual. quietly opposed ongoing There animus towards Russians people. is, however, revulsion righteous anger actions which supported actively tacitly many. Yes, if one voice an objection, they may demoted, fired, even imprisoned. However, thousands stand up same time, nothing will happen. regime knows Russia function academics. Today, everything transparent. When nightmare trying impose world ends, it inevitably will, apparent profited criminal regime, sat hands waited, spoke out boldly unnecessary but increasingly ostensibly name. If speak mighty together, Putin his paralyzed. They you. You do not them. us, institutions, hospitals around cause truth justice respect rights accorded each person earth. closing, again dear Ukrainian colleagues. pray ends swiftly along family, friends, entire nation, prevail. May day soon arrive when can meet, discuss science, plan possible collaborations, linger over coffee, just enjoy other’s collegiality most wonderful country. March month commemoration poet Taras Shevchenko. It fitting words. “Fight – you’ll win fight.” Glory Ukraine! Herous! Slava Ukraini! Heroyam Slava! https://youtu.be/Q_f-aKUtAEY