SumDU continues to actively develop international cooperation even in the face of the full-scale war. On 15 April 2025, Richard STUPARD (British lecturer and war journalist) visited the university.

As part of the visit, he met with representatives of the SumDU administration: Vasyl KARPUSHA (rector), Anatolii CHORNOUS (vice-rector for research), Ivan KOZII (vice-rector for scientific and pedagogical work) and Alla KRASULIA (head of the International Cooperation Department).

The participants discussed successful cases of Ukrainian-British partnership in higher education and prospects for further cooperation.

Of course, the meeting was affected by the consequences of the 13 April terrorist missile attack, which had tragic and devastating consequences for Sumy and SumDU.

“We are in the fourth year of the full-scale war, but the recent events have been a heavy blow to us. The university remains resilient and is a powerful educational and scientific outpost in the northeastern region of Ukraine, including thanks to support of our British partners. You are with us in heart and soul, and we appreciate it very much. Unity for the sake of common values is what is important to all of us today,” – said Vasyl KARPUSHA.

Mr. Richard expressed his deep respect for resilience of the Ukrainian people and SumDU as a university that continues to teach, research and support students despite all challenges.

 “I am honored to be here today! I realized that from a historical perspective, the British have a very similar spirit to the Ukrainians: both nations are strong and unbreakable, and this unites us. It was extremely important for me to see with my own eyes what happened and how strong you remain. I am deeply inspired by the way SumDU helps students to join the professional community even in such difficult conditions and how you continue to work despite everything,” – noted the British guest.

Mr. Richard got acquainted with the university, inspected the educational and material base, visited the Department of Journalism and Philology. There, he talked to teachers and students, met with graduate journalists who work in influential local media and cover military events. He expressed his extremely positive impressions of the educational facilities and quality of training.

An emotionally difficult moment was the visit to university infrastructure facilities that were damaged as a result of the 13 April enemy attack. At one of them, we had a significant meeting with a volunteer chaplain of the Ukrainian Christian Rescue Service and a representative of the Protestant churches of the United States Carl ALGREN. It demonstrated the American and British support for Ukraine. Mr. Algren is also a liaison with Oklahoma State University, with which SumDU recently signed a cooperation agreement.

The visit of his British colleague was another confirmation of the close partnership between Ukraine and the UK, united by the values of freedom, dignity and faith in the power of education.