The West should not freeze out Russian academics

It's hard to take this article seriously when all you have to say about the Russian institutional response is "a statement from the Russian Rectors’ Union expressing what she described as “unequivocal support” for the invasion of Ukraine." You have either not formed a view of that statement yourself or choose to ignore the fact that the statement is so wrong on so many levels that it must have consequences for collaboration with these institutions.

I heard all this 'don't Boycott - keep dialogue going' nonsense during the South African Apartheid years. It was always coming from the mouths of academics who had something to lose personally from the boycott. The usual drivel about maintaining links with those inside the regime to assist them in their 'fight' was rubbish then and its rubbish now. Universities UK should immediately cease ALL contacts with any Russian entities. This should also include terminating any contracts already signed. Lets have none of the 'we've signed a contract so we have to continue' slimy apologist venal rubbish. Every academic or student that is damaged by the boycott will become an unstoppable missile aimed at the heart of Putin's dictatorship. When the regime is totally isolated from all decent global society it will collapse. If we dont boycott then Putin will see that as more weakness and will rightly conclude that the damage to his authority can be managed. Thats how we toppled Apartheid - thats how we'll topple Putin.