More than three years since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation and more than eleven years since the illegal annexation of Crimea, the Slavic, East European, and Near Eastern Summer Language Institute continues to stand strongly in solidarity with Ukraine and Ukrainians in its defense of its people, borders, and sovereignty in the face of relentless and unprovoked Russian aggression. SLI joins the University of Pittsburgh in its Statement of Support, linked below, and continues to actively support Ukrainians from our SLI and Pittsburgh communities.
University of Pittsburgh Statement of Support for Ukraine
SLI Statement of Support for Ukraine
February 26, 2022
The Slavic, East European, and Near Eastern Summer Language Institute stands in solidarity with Ukraine against the unjustified and criminal invasion by the armed forces of Putin's regime in the Russian Federation. We grieve for the innocent victims of this senseless war. The destruction and loss that has already taken place will last for generations, and the full responsibility lies with Putin and Russian authorities who support and enable him. Many students and faculty members at SLI are directly affected by this war and are experiencing tremendous suffering and threat to their personal safety or that of their close family and friends. We express grief today for all victims of this historic and unthinkable tragedy.
Our hearts are with those courageous Russian citizens who have spoken out and protested the attacks on sovereign Ukraine under threat of arrest by the criminal Putin regime.
Please act to end this unconscionable war in whatever way you are able: by monetary aid to Ukraine, by publicly speaking out against the war, and by writing to your political representatives to urge a vigorous international response.