The IRS has long lasting close scientific cooperations with researchers from both Ukraine and Russia. We are appalled and deeply concerned by the current developments and by the military actions. We plead for a diplomatic solution of the conflict. We view the recent progressive escalation with concern, also from a radiological point of view. We emphasize that the Ukrainian population, and especially the scientists in both states, deserve our sympathy and compassion. The IRS is part of the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics of Leibniz Universität Hannover. It works interdisciplinary with staff from the disciplines of physics, chemistry, geology, soil science, biology and sociology.