The Royal Historical Society is shocked and horrified by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This is an attack on an independent country, on democracy, and on the history and culture of Ukraine.

We wish to express our deep solidarity with the Ukrainian people. We condemn utterly the unprovoked act of aggression by the Russian government, justified by historical myths, distortions and lies, attacking the right to self-determination of a European nation.

This war, as every war, will cause enormous human losses and tragedies, and it fundamentally undermines the foundations of the established international security system. As a scholarly organisation with many members from eastern Europe, we stand with all those who oppose this war.

Our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine, and especially those members of the Society from Ukraine or with family, friends and colleagues in the country and wider region.