Thursday, 28 March, 2024
HomeNews ReleaseEuropean Society of Cardiology suspends Russia and Belarus memberships

European Society of Cardiology suspends Russia and Belarus memberships

With utmost concern, the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) learns of the current crisis in the heart of Europe. The ESC, throughout its 70 years of existence, has remained fully committed to scientific and educational co-operation across geographical borders and political systems, with the collective aim to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease – anywhere in the world.

The ESC condemns the military aggression put forward by the leadership of the Russian Federation against one of our member countries, Ukraine. In strong support of our colleagues and all others caught in this crisis, the ESC urges for the aggression to cease and any conflict to be resolved swiftly and on peaceful terms. The ESC calls to ensure humanitarian and medical aid can reach those who need it, regardless of allegiance.

For all of its members who would like to contribute, the ESC suggests you consider donating to organisations that maintain relief efforts to help civilians in regions of conflict and refugees, such as UNHCR and ICRC.

In addition, the ESC has reached out to the Ukrainian Association of Cardiology (UAC) to offer direct help to UAC members and their families. For any questions, or to offer support, ESC members should contact ncs@escardio.org.

In the light of the continued aggression against Ukraine by the leaderships of the Russian Federation and Belarus, the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) has temporarily suspended the memberships of the Russian Society of Cardiology and the Belarussian Society of Cardiologists in the ESC.

Individuals based in the Russian Federation or in Belarus are excluded from active participation in any ESC event or activity.

The ESC very much regrets the effect this may have on individual Russian and Belarussian cardiologists and scientists, but the message to Russian and Belarussian leadership must be distinct and unequivocal.

Issued by the ESC

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