A Kent and a southern Ukraine university have teamed up to support students deeply impacted by the ongoing war.

The University of Kent and Kherson State University (KSU) have signed a twinning agreement today, on Ukrainian Constitution Day, as part of the UK government-backed Universities UK (UUK) initiative.

The initial focus for Kent and KSU will be on identifying ways in which Kent can support KSU during one of the most difficult and challenging periods in its 105-year history.

KSU is in territory currently under Russian control and the university has had to close its campus and relocate to the West of country as a result of the continuing occupation.

Kent was represented by its vice-chancellor and president, Professor Karen Cox, while KSU was represented by its rector, Professor Oleksandr Spivakovskiy.

Following the signing, Kent will provide immediate support to KSU, including the delivery of online English classes by Kent for KSU students and online guest lectures involving both Kent and KSU academic staff.

There will also be engagement with Kherson academics in a European research network on the history of Eastern Europe, and the donation of IT and other technical equipment by Kent to KSU.

The two universities will also work together for longer term mutual benefit in research and teaching.

Professor Cox said: "We feel both humbled and privileged to be able to help our colleagues at Kherson State University in their extraordinary efforts to maintain their support for the students and staff.

"Along with a number of practical measures, we also bring the solidarity and support of all our students and staff and an ongoing and heartfelt commitment.

"Although born in war, we hope very much that this is a partnership that will very soon be able to flourish in peace."

There are now more than 70 UK universities entered into similar twinning arrangements with Ukrainian universities.

Both universities also participated in a Universities UK-organised conference with 23 other UK universities which have also pledged their support for universities in Ukraine.

Vivienne Stern MBE, director of Universities UK International said: "We are delighted that the government is putting its weight behind this extraordinary scheme, through which 79 UK universities have paired up with Ukrainian universities to help them to continue to operate, helping them teach remotely, hosting their staff and students on UK campuses, providing library access and equipment, and supporting the continuation of Ukrainian research activity.

"These are significant and long-term commitments, and the solidarity shown between universities in the UK and Ukraine has been remarkable and inspiring to witness."

Canterbury Christ Church University has also signed the twinning agreement.

As part of the university’s commitment to supporting Ukrainian people, it has begun a partnership with Open International University of Human Development (OUHD) in Kyiv.

Vice-chancellor, Professor Rama Thirunamachandran, signed a memorandum of understanding on June 21.

Several meetings have taken place with the dean of international and the faculty of medicine, health and social care to discuss OUHD’s immediate needs for support, such as online short course and equipment required to enable their students’ learning.

A further meeting is organised to discuss offering available library resources to OUHD students and academics and organising a campaign in partnership with the Students’ Union for donations and contributions.