It is with deep sadness that we share the news that Sumy State University (Ukraine), our valued partner and friend, has once again been struck by a missile attack.
This time, the target was the university’s newest and most modern building — a place full of life and learning. It hosted the Faculties of Electronics and Information Technologies, and Foreign Philology and Social Communications, the University Library, a unique Olympic-standard Beach Volleyball Center, a Dance Hall, and the Center for Collective Use of Scientific Equipment that connected researchers from around the world.
The attack also damaged the 14-storey Main University Building, breaking classrooms, halls, windows and doors. The physical destruction is immense. And yet, the most precious fact is that no lives were lost.
For the second time in just a few months, a place devoted to education, community, and international cooperation has been reduced to rubble. The pain of seeing years of work, innovation, and student life destroyed in moments is beyond words.
To our colleagues, students, and friends at Sumy State University: please know that you are not alone. We stand with you in solidarity, admiration, and grief. Your strength in the face of such adversity inspires us all.
To the wider academic and global community: we urge you to join us in supporting Sumy State University. Universities should be sanctuaries of hope, knowledge, and peace — never targets of war. Together, let us make sure that education and cooperation continue to shine even in the darkest of times.
