The Academic Council, the Director and employees of the Institute of Slavic Studies of the Polish Academy of Sciences strongly condemn the aggression of the Russian Federation towards Ukraine and express their deep sympathy and solidarity with the attacked Ukrainians. War means human death and destruction of the civilization and cultural heritage of the invaded country. War means human tragedies, but also the destruction of cultural assets, museums, academic institutions, archival and library collections, and historical treasures constituting the European cultural heritage. War means lasting mental problems of the attacked people, post-traumatic stress disorder, it means the destruction of natural wealth, parks and nature reserves, tourist infrastructure, sites of the inanimate nature and important archaeological sites. We demand an immediate end to aggression and withdrawal from Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders. At the same time, we express our solidarity with all citizens of the Russian Federation who, despite inhuman acts of repression, have the courage to protest against the disgraceful policy of their country’s authorities.