"Although Antarctica is a continent of peace, our struggle against the aggressor continues on all platforms of the Antarctic Treaty. We constantly inform our international partners about the impact of the full-scale invasion on Ukrainian science and block Russia's imperialist initiatives. At the same time, the Russian Federation, together with China, is hindering environmental protection initiatives from Ukraine and other countries, thereby endangering the fragile nature of the continent," the statement reads.
The National Antarctic Scientific Center (NANSC) noted that Ukraine has been resisting the full-scale aggression of the Russian Federation for 1,000 days, and this "barbaric invasion has affected all areas of life, particularly science."
"Since the onset of the full-scale war, 26 polar researchers have taken up arms in defense of Ukraine. Many of them are highly specialized experts, but instead of conducting research, they have joined the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). Together with you, we continuously support the 'combat penguins' and provide them with necessary supplies," the Center emphasized.
Ukrainian scientists pointed out that Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities have resulted in damage to the NANSC office in Kyiv and the Radio Astronomy Institute in Kharkiv, which is responsible for the geophysical aspects of Antarctic research.
"Traveling from Kyiv to Antarctica was already challenging, and with the onset of the full-scale war, this process became even more complicated. A particular challenge was organizing the departure of the 27th Ukrainian Antarctic expedition, which was scheduled to leave from Boryspil on February 27, 2022. The expedition managed to leave through Poland in early March, although some polar researchers miraculously escaped from Kharkiv and northern Kyiv region, where fighting was already underway and transportation was unavailable," the NANSC reported.
The Center emphasized that the Ukrainian icebreaker "Noosphere" cannot return to Ukraine due to Russian aggression.
"We managed to send the only Ukrainian research icebreaker on its first Antarctic voyage at the end of January 2022. The 'Noosphere' has successfully completed three Antarctic missions and is now preparing for a fourth. However, the vessel is currently unable to return to its home port – Odesa," the scientists explained.
They noted that "first and foremost, Ukraine remains an active participant in the elite 'Antarctic Club' and continues its unique research on the icy continent."
"We remind you that at our station, we have some of the longest observation series in all of Antarctica, and stopping them now would cause immense harm to global science. We are endlessly grateful to our defenders," the NANSC stated.