WU Rector Edeltraud Hanappi-Egger says, “The shocking news about acts of war in Europe leave us stunned and we condemn these military attacks in the strongest possible terms. Our thoughts are with the members of the WU community and their families who are now directly affected by the war. We are working hard to keep the lines of communication open and to do everything in our power to support them.”

Contact with partner universities and networks

Together with its partner universities within the European University Initiative Engage.EU, WU has taken a public stand. It is also in contact with partner universities affected by the war or by international sanctions, including universities in Russia. It supports the open letter issued by Russian academics who are protesting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and speaking out publicly, regardless of possible consequences. As a highly visible sign of support for Ukraine, the Library and Learning Center on Campus WU will soon be shining in Ukraine’s national colors. “In doing so, we are also showing our support for those who courageously raise their voices in protest, at great personal risk, and who are being subjected to massive repression as a result," the Rector concluded.