Joint Statement by Faculty of the Five Colleges Consortium on the Russian Invasion of Ukraine
The Five Colleges have long been a home for students, artists, and scholars who are from and who study Russia, Eastern Europe, and Eurasia. We have welcomed everyone from young, inquisitive minds wishing to know more about these regions to dissidents and exiles who were fated to never return to them. Our community has always sought to apply its knowledge, curiosity, and love for the cultures and peoples of these spaces such that the world might become a better place–a better home–for all.
The invasion of the sovereign nation Ukraine by the Russian Federation represents the antithesis of these values. We are outraged by the violence that Vladimir Putin has inflicted upon the Ukrainian people. We unequivocally condemn his act of war, and categorically reject the malicious distortions of history by which he seeks to justify it. We stand strong with all of those who resist it—from those in Ukraine who fight for their freedom, to the Russian citizens who risk losing theirs by engaging in anti-war protest. Our thoughts remain with the people and democratically elected leaders of Ukraine, and with everyone in the Pioneer Valley who stands to lose friends and family in this senseless conflict. No to war! Ні війні! Нет войне!
Organizations working to support Ukrainian studies and scientists:
For up-to-date information (News Roundup), stories from the ground (Local Voices) and background (FAQS) on the current war in Ukraine, see the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute. Two other organizations also support Ukrainian studies, scholarship and scientists: the American Association for Ukrainian Studies, and the Shevchenko Society.
Sign a Petition
Sign the Shevchenko Scientific Society Join Statement on the War
To get involved, volunteer, donate, join protests, and/or follow the situation:
Join the UMass Russian Language and Culture Facebook group for up-to-date announcements and more information on events and activities.
Events on the War in Ukraine
Fieldnotes: Reflections on Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Tuesday, April 12, 2022 - 12:00This roundtable centers the voices and experiences of ethnographers of Ukraine. The panelists will provide insights on the current war based on their own research, and reflect on what kinds of ethnographic interventions are possible in this context.
Speakers:
Why Putin uses Russian law to crack down on dissent
Autocrats make things like protests illegal so they can blame individuals for breaking the law — while avoiding blame for passing unjust laws.
Public Interest Technology Symposium | Ukraine and Russia - The Online War
Thursday, March 31, 2022 - 17:00 to 18:30The ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia has raised many questions and concerns, including those around cybersecurity, information warfare, and propaganda. How is the situation playing out online? With the shrinking of Russian cyberspace, which platforms are most central and how are different communities harnessing them? Join us for a discussion around the evolving situation in Ukraine, where our panelists will share their perspectives and answer questions from the audience.
Ukrainian Students @ UMass Reflect on Russia's War in Ukraine
Tuesday, March 22, 2022 - 19:30 to 20:30You are invited to join us as we reflect on Russia’s war in Ukraine with UMass Amherst students of Ukrainian heritage.
Anthropological Perspectives on the War in Ukraine
Thursday, March 10, 2022 - 10:30 to 12:00This panel brings together a group of leading and emerging anthropologists who work in Ukraine and Russia to problematize and push past these frames for thinking about this war, and explore the deeper historical and political context within which these events are unfolding.
Webinar: "Voices from Ukraine under Siege"
Monday, March 7, 2022 - 13:00 to 14:30Several cities of Ukraine are under attack and bombed. In this special Virtual ASN webinar, join us to hear the testimonies of five young scholars on the ground in Ukraine.
Why don't Russians rebel?
Monday, March 7, 2022 - 12:00 to 13:30An online event organized by Princeton: discussion with Prof. Greg Yudin and independent journalists from banned TV channel Dozhd.
Russia and Ukraine: History Behind the Headlines
Friday, March 4, 2022 - 14:00“Russia and Ukraine: History Behind the Headlines” brings together three leading scholars to place current events in historical context.
Webinar: The Russian Attack of Ukraine
Wednesday, March 2, 2022 - 13:00 to 14:30For several days, the world has been shocked by the the war of aggression conducted by Russia in Ukraine – and inspired by the military and civilian resistance of Ukrainians. Virtual ASN is holding a special webinar panel
War in Ukraine: Placing the Conflict in Context
Thursday, March 3, 2022 - 11:30 to 13:00Join the UMass Amherst College of Social and Behavioral Sciences for a discussion around the evolving situation in Ukraine, where panelists, including history professor Audrey Altstadt, will share their perspectives and answer questions from the audience
