This open letter is on behalf of the European Society for Organ Transplantation (ESOT) to express our full support to the People of Ukraine and to stand up for democracy, freedom and safety.

ESOT is the community, the home for all those with interest in solid organ transplantation (SOT) from across the European continent and beyond to share best practices in science, research and education in the field of SOT, with the ultimate objective of improving patient’s care and well-being.

Our community believes in cooperation, integration and democracy. But since the invasion of Russia over Ukraine, we see these values being threatened and disregarded.

ESOT calls on all stakeholders to strongly condemn the violence, bombing, and killings resulting from this aggression and arbitrary arrests against protesters in Russia.

ESOT asks that all parties respect international humanitarian law by ensuring that civilians and civilian infrastructure, like schools, hospitals and water systems, are protected from armed violence. We ask for a swift delivery of humanitarian aid assistance to populations and to ensure access to care and medicinal products for patients needing complex chronic treatments, such as those with end-stage organ disease, e.g. those on haemodialysis and transplant recipients.

We stand for our colleagues, friends, families and patients impacted by this terrible humanitarian tragedy and are ready to support our members in this difficult time for Ukraine and Europe.

download the letter here