On February 24th, 2022 the Russian Federation invaded Ukraine. The illegal invasion is the culmination of years of Russian hostility. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia has unilaterally annexed land or established puppet states in Georgia, Ukraine, and Chechnya. Internally, the Russian government has perpetrated myriad abuses of human rights and national sovereignty, including the suppression of journalistic and political and opposition, most notably Alexei Navalny; discrimination against sexual, ethnic, and religious minorities; and attacks on foreign infrastructure.

Russian information campaigns have attempted to justify the invasion with false allegations of aggression, extremism, and even genocide by the Ukrainian government; however, there is no evidence to support these claims. Within its first four days, the war killed at least hundreds and displaced more than half a million Ukrainian citizens. On top of shelling, airstrikes, and, in some areas, occupation, Ukrainians are also facing acute medical, military, and civilian supply shortages. The Russian population is suffering, as well: the Russian economy has all but collapsed, thousands of anti-war protestors have been beaten or arrested, and severe shortages of civilian goods are imminent. Furthermore, given the low vaccination rates, reallocation of medical services, gathering of large crowds on trains and in shelters, and massive surge in immigration, the war will likely spark a devastating coronavirus outbreak in the region. Ultimately, though, statistics cannot accurately account for the sheer amount of physical and emotional suffering endured by all those affected.

The Johns Hopkins University student body is appalled, outraged, and devastated by the invasion of Ukraine. Given the severity of the situation, various prestigious academic institutions, including Pennsylvania State University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Columbia University, have issued statements on the conflict. At pivotal moments in history, silence is complicity. If we do not stand up for our values of freedom and human dignity, we are sure to lose them. 

As members of a respected local, national, and international institution, we, the Johns Hopkins University student body, demand that the university release a statement condemning the invasion, standing in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, and providing affected students with appropriate counseling services. 

Besides signing this petition, please share it as much as possible and comment on the Johns Hopkins Instagram account. Additionally, please consider donating to one of the funds below.

Links to donation: https://linktr.ee/ukraine_ua