Dear colleagues,

dear students,

The events in Ukraine we are witnessing leave us with dismay, consternation, and sadness. We fear for the lives of the people in the region, for our colleagues, students, alumni, and their families and loved ones who are currently going through terrible times. We would like to express our deep sympathy with all those affected and our solidarity with all people who advocate peace, international understanding, and democracy.

We explicitly condemn the Russian aggression against Ukraine. At the same time, we must and shall unequivocally defend the idea of a worldwide community of teachers, researchers, and students and demonstrate our will for peace, freedom, and democracy.

The University Presidential Board and the International Office are in close contact with the Ministry, HRK, and DAAD. We expect an assessment of both the situation and developments in Ukraine in the coming days, which will allow us to decide how to continue and shape our international – and often long-standing - partnerships with institutions in Ukraine, Russia as well as other Eastern European countries. We will inform you immediately about new developments and steps to be taken.

In our mission statement, we commit ourselves to "a community in peace, solidarity, and fellowship that respects all people, regardless of their social or ethnic background". Let us take this very seriously. Global political upheavals must not undermine our values and principles.

Your Presidential Board of the TU Ilmenau

Ilmenau, 24 February 2022