Sofya Kopelyan (39), project manager SBD
'I am ashamed, angry, depressed and extremely scared because this could escalate much further. I'm also scared because my parents are still in Russia. I don't know when I will be able to visit again. And financially, they cannot manage by themselves. If I can't send them more money, they're not going to make it.'
'I support the Ukrainians, even though since this week Russia sees that as betrayal'
'I come from Volgograd, the former Stalingrad not far from the Ukrainian border. The airport is partially closed because some areas are being set up to collect bodies. My parents constantly hear military planes, which is a very unpleasant sound. In World War II, the Nazis were defeated right in Stalingrad. Now we have started the attack and I can't believe that. I am relieved that my grandparents have already passed away, otherwise they would have had a heart attack. My family traditionally had good ties with Ukraine, we often went on vacation there. I support the Ukrainians, even though since this week Russia sees that as betrayal.'
'It's hard to be busy with work. I can access my accounts now, but it could change at any hour. If the EU decides to withdraw visas from Russian residents, I don't know what to do. I have built everything here and in Russia I could be arrested just for this interview.'
Nelly Litvak (50), professor of Applied Mathematics
'It is terrible and painful what is happening in Ukraine. All Russians around me are against this war, which has only losers. It is Putin’s war, not a Russian war. Ordinary people in Russia are already suffering consequences, and are going to suffer for many years to come.’
'I am proud of my mother who is a public person in Russia and has openly spoken out against this war'
‘I am proud of the thousands of teachers and scientists in Russia, who have signed petitions against this war. They risk a lot by speaking out their beliefs. I am also proud of my mother who is a public person in Russia and has openly spoken out against this war. I receive a lot of support from my colleagues who fortunately understand that this is a very difficult time for everybody. I greatly appreciate this.'
Daria Bugakova (26), PhD
'I cannot describe my feelings in one word. It's all enormously complicated and because of all the propaganda it's hard to understand everything. What is happening in Ukraine is terrible, but it is a war of Vladimir Putin, not of the Russians. I deleted all my social media because people blame me. And Russians get blamed for not going out to protest, but that won't impress in Russia and you'll disappear into prison for years.'
'The anger against Russians scares me. Not on campus, but outside it does'
'The anger against Russians scares me. Not on campus, but outside it does. I don't dare speak Russian there anymore. When the raid started last week, I was ashamed. Now I'm not ashamed anymore, because I have no influence on it. As terrible as the fate of Ukrainians is: I can't help it that my parents happen to be born in Russia.'
'I was supposed to fly to Saint Petersburg on Monday to celebrate my birthday, but that flight has been cancelled. I think I'll manage to get there, but it's not wise. There's a good chance I won't be able to return.'
