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Statement from Australian Catholic University on Ukraine

The war in Ukraine is unleashing unimaginable atrocities.

We have watched with horror and sadness as Russian forces threatened, circled, and invaded a country whose population has courageously stood up for democracy. We pray that Ukraine will draw on its inner strength and support from the outside to resist this unprovoked aggression. We fervently pray that peace may be restored.

This attack on the sovereign state of Ukraine is designed to destroy the peaceful democratic rule of that country and threatens our world order, with unspeakable consequences.

There is no legal or moral justification for the invasion. The appalling acts of aggression are an affront to the principles of international law, and violently oust the rule of law as the foundation of a civilised society. The aggressor’s conduct is plunging our world into an era of unpredictability and greater instability.

Pope Francis has described this conflict as “not just a military operation but a war which sows death, destruction and misery.” He called for the madness of war to stop: “I implore that the armed attacks cease and that negotiation prevails, that common sense prevails, and that we return to respecting international law.”

On behalf of the ACU community, we echo these sentiments. We pray not just for the people of Ukraine but also that common sense and common humanity will prevail on the Russian side to compel a swift return to peaceful coexistence for all parties.

We would like to assure our own community that ACU does not have any ties with any Russian institution, and we intend to actively maintain this position.

As a Catholic university community, we support democratic principles and institutions. And we continue to pray for peace, respect, and dignity for all.

ACU Chancellor, The Honourable Martin Daubney AM
ACU Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Zlatko Skrbis