Me and the entire management of the university, faculties and institutes of Brno University of Technology are following the situation in Eastern Europe with great concern. There is no doubt from the events of the last few hours that we are standing on the threshold of a war conflict which is affecting not only the people of Ukraine and neighbouring countries, but also Ukrainian citizens who have chosen to live in the Czech Republic.

Young people who came here to study, as well as teachers and employees, have linked their life paths with Brno University of Technology. In many cases, their families and loved ones remained in a territory whose sovereignty has been violated by another country. Perhaps it is with the experience of our own history that we feel very strongly for Ukraine and its people. It is therefore important to express our unequivocal position condemning Russia's violent action.

The university management is continuously discussing various forms of support and assistance to Ukrainian students and staff in the light of development in the situation. We are ready to provide assistance to all those who find themselves in this tragic situation and we are preparing measures to ensure this support through concrete actions.

You can already ask for help or support from BUT's Student Affairs Office, International Relations Office and Student Chamber of BUT Academic Senate via the e-mail address: vutpomaha@vut.cz.

I express my deepest sympathy to all of you who have been affected by these events and I am ready to make decisions to support you.

Ladislav Janíček