City’s statement on the invasion of Ukraine

Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the Russian attack on Ukraine and support is available to all members of the City community. We are reaching out directly to members of our community to offer support. Updated information about the services and support available will be maintained on the Staff Hub and Student Hub.

A message from Professor Sir Anthony Finkelstein, President of City, University of London

"There are occasions when the run of everyday concerns are jolted by the realisation that we 'live in history'. Violence, autocracy and untruthfulness confront the international order, democracy and the rule of law. It is profoundly distressing.

"Our first thoughts are with the people of Ukraine, and with all our staff and students affected by the conflict, we will obviously do all we can to support them.

"Next, our thoughts are with those seeking safety and refuge, we will extend our protection. We will assert our values of openness and scholarship that are a key part of the challenge to oppressive and dictatorial states.

"It is with great regret that we are suspending partnering activities with Russian universities for the time being, pending a peaceful resolution of the war in Ukraine.

"Researchers and academics at City are already using their expertise to inform discussion and debate around Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its implications across the world. We have compiled some examples below and we will add to this with comment and reflection in the coming days and weeks."

Our academic expertise and insights on the war in Ukraine

With comment ranging from the potential impact on the price of gas, to the innovation which can follow war, City academics are linking their areas of research to the current situation in Ukraine and using their expertise to support the global conversation.

Sanctions on UK and EU-based Russian asset holders will add to downward pricing pressures, says Real Estate expert

Bayes Business School Senior Research Fellow believes actions against Russia could lead to more stringent asset financing.

Anti-oligarch measures: The legal problems facing UK government amid seizing of Russian assets

Roger McCormick, a legal expert and Honorary Senior Visiting Fellow at the Centre for Banking Research comments on anti-oligarch measures in the UK.

Dr Dina Fainberg, School of Arts and Social Sciences, has conducted interviews with multiple BBC outlets, discussing the war in Ukraine and Russian propaganda on BBC Radio Five Live, BBC Radio Essex, BBC Radio Scotland and BBC Radio Ulster (with BBC Radio Foyle also scheduled at the time of writing). Here is Dina’s interview with (2002 Newspaper Journalism alumna) Naga Munchetty on Five Live, in which she describes the “impersonal and disembodied reporting” Russian viewers are seeing this week. .

Dr James Rodgers, School of Arts and Social Sciences, wrote an excellent and wide-ranging piece for The New European on Vladimir Putin and the situation in Ukraine. James used to be a BBC foreign correspondent in Moscow and is an authority on reporting from Russia. The article is titled, simply, ‘How Putin Ends’.  Dr Rodgers also gave an interview to the Today programme on BBC Radio 4 which discussed McDonalds pulling out of Russia.

Professor David Stupples, School of Science & Technology, commented on the cyber war planned by Russia against Ukraine in Le Parisien.

The business of war: Russia-Ukraine conflict will impact spending and behaviours, and how SWIFT exclusion could backfire on the West

With Professor Andre Spicer and Professor Barbara Casu, Bayes Business School, and Dr Andrea Baronchelli, School of Science & Technology. Commenting on the potential for the war to result in long-term increased innovation, depressed workforces, and the growth of a Russian-Chinese international payment system, amidst a dip in trade and economic activity.

Ukraine and the failure of the United Nations Security Council

With Dr Aldo Zammit Borda, The City Law School. An adaptation of his article published in The Observer, discussing the UN Security Council’s responsibility to maintain international peace and security – and its failure to do so.

Ukraine war: what is the Budapest Memorandum and why has Russia’s invasion torn it up?

With Dr Aldo Zammit Borda, The City Law School.

Political tension with Russia should provide incentive for more resilient UK energy infrastructure, says commodities expert

With Professor Michael Tamvakis, Bayes Business School. Commenting on the volatility of prices and uncertainty due to the sanctions imposed around the world, with a focus on natural gas and the importance of Russia’s supply to the UK and other EU nations.