Rectors of colleges and universities in the Czech Republic, members of the Czech Rectors Conference, are shocked and outraged by the Russian missile attack on universities in the city of Mykolaiv, Ukraine. Yesterday’s attack on two largest universities in the city represents yet another of a string of war crimes committed by Russia on the territory of a sovereign and independent neighbouring country. After attacks on theatres, hospitals, churches or malls universities are next.
The smoke screen of continuous lies, manipulations and fabrications cannot disguise the true nature and reality, i.e. nonsensical, indefensible and criminal aggression against the independent Ukraine and brutal and bloody war against the entire society and its democratic system.
Russia with its current aggressive policy cannot be considered a civilised country. For several months now, not only does Russia commit war crimes, it also carries out barbaric attacks on civilian targets and civilian population which constitute state terrorism. Yesterday’s attack on Ukrainian universities constitutes another act which proves total lack of respect towards any values of modern civilisation and deep hatred for freedom.
The Czech Rectors Conference calls on all members of political representation of the Czech Republic to work with their European partners and allies to adopt measures ensuring that these crimes committed by Russia do not go without due response, and to continue with the support and assistance to Ukraine, including to the faculty and students of universities who might be affected or threatened by the recent development.
Martin Bareš
Chairman of the Czech Rectors Conference
Rector of Masaryk University