The support provided to Sumy State University (SumDU) by Fulda University of Applied Sciences (Germany) has a sustained and consistent character. Following the provision of technical equipment to support the educational process, the German university – a strategic partner of SumDU and a member of the E³UDRES² European University Alliance – initiated a fundraising campaign entitled “Solidarität mit Sumy – Hilfe für den Wiederaufbau der ukrainischen Partneruniversität” (“Solidarity with Sumy – Support for the Reconstruction of the Ukrainian Partner University”). As part of this initiative, EUR 5,000 was raised to support the recovery of the university following Russian attacks. This step became yet another confirmation of deep partnership and European solidarity with the academic community of Sumy.

The fundraising campaign received broad support from the local community of the city of Fulda. In particular, VR Bank Fulda and DZ HYP made donations in support of the project, and the initiative was awarded the PartnerPreis 2025 as an example of responsible social engagement and solidarity with Ukrainian partners.

Professor Martina Ritter, Vice President for Research and Transfer at Fulda University of Applied Sciences, emphasized that the support for Sumy State University is not only financial assistance, but also an important sign of solidarity with the Ukrainian academic community during a difficult time of war.

Earlier, Professor Karim Khakzar, President of Fulda University of Applied Sciences, also underlined that this support represents a conscious gesture of European unity and responsibility, aimed at ensuring that Ukrainian partners are not left alone with the consequences of the war.

For his part, Vasyl Karpusha, Rector of Sumy State University, stressed that “such assistance confirms that partnerships built on trust and shared European values are capable of delivering real results and strengthening the institutional resilience of the university in challenging times.” According to him, “for the SumDU community this support is a manifestation of trust proven through partnership and of genuine solidarity, which takes on particular significance in conditions of war and constant challenges. He also noted that cooperation with Fulda University of Applied Sciences within the E³UDRES² Alliance convincingly demonstrates that true academic partnerships are not limited to declarations, but translate into concrete actions, for which the university is sincerely grateful to colleagues and the Fulda community for their principled stance, support, and willingness to stand side by side”.

The support provided to Sumy State University is perceived by the university community not merely as assistance, but as a tangible human presence at a difficult moment. It goes far beyond a financial resource: it is a strong bridge built on trust, daily cooperation, and real human connections.

Cooperation with Fulda University of Applied Sciences within the E³UDRES² Alliance has become an example of how academic partnerships in times of war move beyond formal agreements and turn into concrete acts of solidarity. Such steps have long-term significance not only for Sumy State University, but also for the wider European academic community, confirming that investments in genuine international relations and shared European values are repaid through real actions precisely at the most challenging moments.