Director to the SSEES Community on the Anniversary of Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

A message from the Director, Prof Diane P. Koenker, to the SSEES Community on the Anniversary of Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

Almost one year ago, the Russian army began its brutal invasion of Ukraine, which has led to horrendous loss of life, dislocation, sorrow, division, and anger across the region we study.  There is no end in sight, and this is another tragedy.  As scholars, our work has never been more important:  to analyze, to understand, and to engage with our many publics and with our students. This is why we are here.  I am tremendously proud of the way our students, staff and alumni have responded to the unfolding tragedy, with compassion and humanitarian aid, with scholarship and communication, and with support for all of our students and staff whose families and lives have been so cruelly shattered. 

Support for staff

UCL staff can access confidential, 24/7 mental health support by phone, WhatsApp or Live Chat with our Employee Assistance Programme: Staff Support Service. 

Support for students

Students can contact our Support Team for Students affected by War, Conflict and Disaster, a collaboration between Student Support and Wellbeing (SSW), the Department of Psychology and Language Sciences (PALS), and the University Clinic.

The team provides emotional and practical support to students affected by events in their home countries, such as natural disaster, by offering sessions of Psychological First Aid (PFA). You can access the team's support by arranging to speak to a SSW Student Adviser.

All students also have access to UCL's 24/7 Student Support Line for support with their mental health and wellbeing. 

We know that some students may find it difficult to focus on their studies at this time. Anyone struggling with academic work should first talk to their tutor, who will be able to offer support and advice. Departments can also provide Extenuating Circumstances or Academic Adjustments to support any student who experiences sudden, unexpected difficulties that may affect their performance at assessment.