As enthusiasts and users of PostgreSQL, we value not only technological excellence but also the ethical standards and responsibilities that come with our collective efforts. It is in this spirit that we raise our concerns regarding the upcoming PGDAY UK 2024 event, specifically the involvement of Postgres Professional.

Postgres Professional, a company actively supporting the Russian government, has significant ties to various Russian public institutions and government companies, including Gazprom, Sberbank, the Ministry of Finance of Russia, the Federal Tax Service of Russia, and the Russian Ministry of Defense. Given the company’s affiliations, we believe its presence at the event raises serious ethical concerns, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Ten years ago, when the Russian government announced its “import substitution” policy to prioritize Russian products over Western ones, the leadership of PostgresPro seized the opportunity. Their press releases in Russian condemned “rotten Western products” and praised the “native Russian DBMS PostgreSQL.” This approach opened the door to multiple government contracts, including those with Gazprom, the State Treasury, and the Russian Ministry of Defense.

In 2014, Postgres Professional praised the annexation of Crimea and continued to openly support Russia’s war with Ukraine when the conflict escalated in 2022. The leaders of this company have not been silent—they have vocally supported state terrorism and profited from their connections to the Russian government. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is not about penalizing individuals based on their citizenship, but about holding accountable an organization that willingly aligns with and benefits from state-sponsored violence.

Additionally, every time a prominent member of the PostgreSQL community participates in a Postgres Professional event, it is used to legitimize the company and boost its image. Participation is interpreted as global approval of the company’s actions. The same applies when Postgres Professional speakers are accepted at community conferences like PGDAY UK 2024 - their involvement is seen as implicit approval of the company’s activities.

As a community, we should follow the example of the International Olympic Committee, which has taken steps to remove or neutralize affiliations with companies and organizations linked to state terrorism. At a minimum, Postgres Professional’s affiliation should be removed from our events to ensure we are not complicit in supporting their actions.

Despite efforts to address this matter privately - through official channels, including an email sent on July 17 to the PGDAY UK 2024 Code of Conduct Committee - there was no response for 48 days. The discussion finally began on September 3rd and is ongoing. As a result of this prolonged inactivity, we felt it necessary to raise this issue publicly.

We are calling for the removal of Postgres Professional from PGDAY UK 2024, as its inclusion does not align with the values of peace, integrity, and ethical responsibility that should guide our community.

Please sign this petition to support a principled stand on this important issue.