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