Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is entirely wrong and unjustified, whether viewed from a moral, legal or historical perspective. We condemn it wholeheartedly. In seeking to promote a better understanding of Russia, its culture, people and language, RLC does not in any way endorse the views or actions of its current leadership.

For all of us at RLC the period since the invasion has been profoundly demoralising, as it has been for so many who love Russia. Our experience counts for little compared to the horror and violence inflicted on the Ukrainian people. Nevertheless, it is a strange and often difficult time to be a Russian teacher. We are sustained by one thought: almost everyone we teach has a reason for wanting to know more about Russia and Russians. We will continue to do everything we can to help them in that aim, because at some point in the future, it will be through personal contact and mutual understanding that we overcome the consequences of this terrible war.