The SGSA along with the Slavic Department and REEEC also condemns the unprovoked military assault by the Russian government on Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. We, the SGSA, reject the false narrative that the Russian government has built to undermine Ukrainian sovereignty. 

In times of crisis like these, it is easy to forget to take care of ourselves; to be consumed by doom-scrolling, anxiously watching the news, or to fall into a cycle of depression and solitude. The SGSA would like to help those affected by the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. If you have any suggestions on how we or the faculty can help not only our grad students but also Ukraine and the people fighting Russian aggression, please email us and we will do our best to provide assistance and relay information back to the faculty. 

As Kenya’s U.N. Ambassador, Martin Kimani, said in the January 31st U.N. security council meeting, “When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.” We must not forget about the grass. We stand in support of and in solidarity with all people affected by this horrible attack on human life and rule of law, and hope to help and support you and those affected in whatever ways we can.

Signed, 

The SGSA of UIUC