Deputy Minister of Education Mykhailo Vynnytskyi made a resounding statement that caused considerable indignation among Ukrainian scientists and students. During the meeting, the video of which was published by the Telegram channel of the NGO "Red Huber", Vinnytskyi compared Ukrainian teachers and students abroad to the homeless.
"What a Ukrainian teacher or student does abroad is not a matter for the Ukrainian state. She doesn't ask if he's a student or a bum," said Vinnytskyi.
Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk, present at the meeting, tried to stop her colleague, remarking: "Sir, Mykhailo, what are you talking about?". However, this did not stop the wave of criticism that followed the publication of the video.
Doctor of humanitarian sciences Pavlo Levchuk, who was also at the meeting, expressed his indignation on Facebook, pointing out the inadmissibility of such statements. He was supported by Ukrainian writer and human rights defender Anastasia Melnychenko, who called Vinnytskyi's statements humiliating for Ukrainian scientists working abroad.
Melnychenko noted that while Russia actively promotes its narratives in Western universities, Ukrainian scientists receive support from Western institutions. They publish scientific articles, write monographs and implement the standards of Western academia in Ukraine. However, according to the activist, the Ministry of Education does not consider them important for the state.
"But for the MES, we are "homeless" and "not scientists". And the MES in the person of Vynnytskyi demonstrates in every possible way that the state of Ukraine does not need us," Melnychenko adds.
Next year, Melnychenko will work at the University of Turku in a specially created position for Ukrainian graduate students. She will have the opportunity to conduct research, use university infrastructure and collaborate with leading researchers. According to her, Ukrainian scientists have excellent opportunities abroad, but the state does not appreciate their contribution.
Vynnytskyi did not comment on this incident, and there were no statements from the head of the MES Oksen Lisovoy either.
