The Eindhoven History Lab expresses its deep shock regarding, and absolute condemnation of, the brutal Russian invasion of Ukraine. We empathize with all those affected, first and foremost citizens in Ukraine. We also empathize with citizens (including colleagues and students) in Russia who oppose the invasion and risk being fired and imprisoned.
In addition, as a history of technology and sustainability research group that investigates connections between past, present and future, we vigorously reject the official Russian misuse of ‘history’ to legitimize the invasion. This includes the misleading claim that Ukraine historically was a Soviet creation to justify Russian intervention today. For more on this, also see the American Historical Association’s statement on the invasion, which has already been endorsed by many historical associations and societies.
Finally, we alert Ukrainian colleagues and all those concerned to this European Research Area ERA4Ukraine initiative; this scienceforukraine platform; and the Eindhoven University of Technology support measures for Ukrainian, Belorussian and Russian students and staff.