DEAR COLLEAGUES, FRIENDS, EMPLOYEES OF KYIV NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGIES AND DESIGN!
I would like to inform you that the official delegation of the University has returned to Ukraine from Dubai. Teachers and students of the University, with support of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, visited the UAE with the mission of cultural unification and returned despite offers to stay in Dubai for the period of martial law in Ukraine. At that time, the military invasion of Russian occupiers in our country began.
In connection with the hostilities on the territory of Ukraine, the program of events of the cultural festival in Dubai was changed. The university delegation presented some of the exhibits, achievements of KNUTD in the international arena, plans to expand international cooperation in the UAE in the Ukrainian pavilion at the World Exhibition “EXPO-2020 Dubai”. Director of the Ukrainian pavilion (SE “EXPO-2020”) Ivan Sydorenko spoke about a growing interest in Ukraine from foreigners. He proudly noted, “Ukraine is a country with a unique nature, people, traditions and culture. And, despite external aggression, it is confidently following the path of innovative development!” Members of the Ukrainian delegation in Ukrainian embroidered shirts, known around the world, attracted attention and were immediately recognized by the guests of the exhibition as Ukrainians.
Numerous visitors from many countries came up to the pavilion and inquired about Ukraine, expressed concern about Russian aggression and expressed the words of support with a patriotic slogan “Glory to Ukraine!” – “Glory to heroes!”. The support of Ukraine in the UAE is also evidenced by the leaders of the local press, who condemns Russian aggression and expresses admiration for the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the Armed Forces of Ukraine. As a sign of support for Ukraine and our people, the world’s largest skyscraper Burj Khalifa in Dubai was highlighted in blue and yellow.
Returning home was difficult and long – through Krakow, Przemyśl, and Lviv. For two days we were among the refugees from Ukraine to the West, to Poland. Thousands of women and children, fleeing the war due to constant shelling of civilians by Russian occupiers, said how they were forced to hide in shelters, survive in difficult conditions, without food, without warm clothes and exhausted looking for opportunities to take children to safety and return home, where sick parents, relatives, home, work were waiting for them… We felt sympathy, sincere willingness of Polish friends and Lviv residents to help, support, and comfort us.
I would like to note that during the difficult period of the military invasion of Russian occupiers, the University constantly receives letters from foreign partners and friends with the words of support, solidarity and condemnation of the act of aggression of the Russian Federation. We believe in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, we believe in our indomitable, united people, we support all decisions of our President Volodymyr Zelensky, and we are proud of courage of our compatriots-defenders, in particular, the professors and students of KNUTD who have joined the territorial defense forces and faithfully defend our Motherland!
Dear colleagues!
During the announced holidays, the salaries of University employees will be paid in accordance with the current legislation. In addition, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and the Trade Union, in accordance with the Sectoral Agreement, recommend the heads of educational institutions to ensure:
Thanks to the whole team for their fighting spirit, unbreakable power and support of our military forces!
We are strong! We are Ukraine! We will win! 
Sincerely, Rector Ivan Gryshchenko
09.03.2022
