Scholars and Students Rally Support for Ukraine Amid Invasion
- Apr 11, 2022
The Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies (CREEES) at The University of Texas at Austin is working diligently to provide assistance to the people of Ukraine, who remain under siege as Russia continues its invasion.
“It has been difficult for all of us to navigate the turbulent waters of the past few years—first the far-reaching effects of a global pandemic, and now the crisis precipitated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine,” wrote Mary Neuburger, the director of CREEES, in a Life & Letters article. “We are devastated about the military, diplomatic, and humanitarian crises that are unfolding before our eyes. For us, it is a time to forge and maintain community bonds, and for collective action.”
A CREEES webpage shares Ukraine information and resources, including links to charities, on-the-ground relief organizations and reliable news outlets reporting on the conflict. The center also is working with national and international contacts as well as UT Austin leadership to assist displaced scholars and students. Further efforts include raising funds to support temporary positions or student scholarships for Ukrainians, an endeavor to which Texas Global has committed matching funds.
“We also anticipate that refugees from Ukraine from all walks of life will be coming to Austin and elsewhere in Texas,” said Neuburger. “We hope to play an important role in welcoming them to our city and state, in offering volunteer student and faculty translators, and in serving as a source of solace and community.”
From hosting a SXSW musical showcase (Austin Stands with Ukraine) to supporting research projects by the Global (Dis)Information Lab, the CREEES leadership, students and faculty are continuing their tireless work to augment numerous forms of assistance to Ukraine during this difficult time.
“Nothing we can do will stop this tragedy or alleviate the suffering in Ukraine, but we hope we can make a difference,” said Neuburger.
Read the full article in Life & Letters, the official magazine of UT Austin’s College of Liberal Arts produced by the COLA Office of Public Affairs team.
