Interview with the Rector of Kharkiv National Medical University Prof. Valeriy Kapustnyk on the situation in the educational space due to concerns about possible military action against Ukraine.

V.Z.: Valery Andriyovich, today the question of possible military action against Ukraine is of great concern among foreign students. How do you comment on this situation?

V.A.: Yes, indeed, foreign students are actively discussing this topic, and not so much the students themselves, as their parents who watch TV, read newspapers and get negative news about the possible aggravation of the situation.

Today, information is an effective instrument for the formation of public opinion and creating an emotional basis for decision-making.

Unfortunately, information which is based on assumptions and conjectures, rather than real facts about the current situation in Ukraine, in particular in Kharkiv, is currently widely disseminated in the information and communication environment of the world.

In the context of globalization and informatization of the world, the skills of critical thinking, the ability to distinguish reliable sources of information from fake and rely on decisions based on facts rather than assumptions are extremely important tools for guidance in today’s information space.

I would like to draw your attention to the fact that today the situation in Kharkiv and at the University remains completely under control, there is no reason to panic. The University works as usual under its schedule.

Recognizing that the safe stay of students in the country of study is a priority, the University is working to create a safe educational environment for all its participants. At the same time, we understand the choice of each student to continue his/ her studies at the University.

VZ: The issue of further form of classes is also actively discussed among students. What is your opinion on this issue?

VA: Based on available information on possible risks, assessing existing practices in the organization of education in higher education, taking into account the epidemiological situation, making the quality of training one of the main criteria, I believe that currently the best form of educational process is offline teaching. I would like to emphasize that all relevant information on the current situation and conditions of education will be posted on the University website in a timely manner.

Everything will be fine. We believe in Ukraine!

Victoria Zakharevych