Statement on the anniversary of the attack on Ukraine (as of 2/2023)

Remain compassionate, helpful, hopeful - one year after Russia's attack on Ukraine, the President of the University, Prof. Dr. Ute Clement, is calling on people at the university, in Kassel and in Germany not to simply accept suffering.

"This Friday marks the anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian armed forces. In these 12 months, the spiral of violence has continued. Many Ukrainian cities and infrastructure have been deliberately destroyed, homes and hospitals targeted - Putin is waging a ruthless war against the civilian population and the Ukrainian people. At the moment, it is not clear how those involved can escape the logic of escalating violence and how the Russian attack can be stopped. The plight of the people in the war zone is unbelievably great and the consequences of the war are also being felt in Germany, at least economically.

We are helping the displaced people in Germany, in Kassel and at the University of Kassel. We support them in obtaining safety, shelter, supplies, education and medical care. The support of students and employees for the refugees was and is enormous. My sincere thanks for that.

Probably the most bitter thing about this anniversary is that we have to fear that it will not be the last. There is a danger that we will become numb to the terrible news and television images. Therefore, my request for the University of Kassel on this day is: Let us remain compassionate and sensitive towards the people at war, but also towards the victims of unjust regimes in other regions and the terrible earthquake in Syria and Turkey. Let us support the victims with actions, donations or even just with our thoughts. Let us stay with them! And let's not let them and ourselves lose hope - for peace in Europe and in the world."