In today’s world, the importance of international cooperation cannot be overstated. For me, Ukraine, with its strategic geopolitical position and historical significance, stands as a key player in the pursuit of global stability and unity. Ukraine's location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia makes a bridge between East and West. International cooperation with Ukraine becomes imperative for fostering regional stability and promoting economic partnerships that transcend borders.

Recently, students and staff from Leeds Trinity University created several messages of kindness, which were compiled and sent as a printed booklet to police officers studying at the Lviv State University for Internal Affairs in Ukraine. The initiative was led by me, Jonathan Jackson, Associate Professor of Policing here at Leeds Trinity, and my work with the Ethical Support Alliance, a recently established non-government organisation that is associated directly with the University.

The messages of kindness were a follow up to stage one of this partnership where the objective was to help Ukrainian police cadets develop their English-speaking abilities and gain an understanding of best practices used in the UK.  This was done in aid of preparations towards the rebuild of Ukraine post-conflict and in anticipation that there will be an inrush of English-speaking helpers to the country.

I believe, collaborating with Ukraine is also vital for addressing shared security concerns. What is happening in Eastern Ukraine not only affects the region but has a wider implication for global security. International unity can help deal with challenges and our messages of kindness go towards that step-by-step process of offering reassuring words of comfort and humanity.

Students from Lviv received the kindness messages in person, delivered as part of the Ethical Support Alliance’s pilot integrated language learning programme hosted at the university in Ukraine. The booklets were given to both students and staff and were well received. The faculty recognised the value of the messages as a method to connect in difficult times and for students to continue to practice their English language skills.

Here at Leeds Trinity, we value kindness, empathy, and support, so it was good to hear that students from Lviv felt that the messages were a celebration of one another's abilities and backgrounds to help create a vibrant environment of collaboration and respect.

We are all aware that collaborative efforts can ensure the efficient delivery of assistance, including medical aid, food, and shelter to those affected by conflicts or natural disasters. Even though our messages of kindness are not of real practical use, they can provide reassurances to officers reinforcing our partnership work and that students from Leeds Trinity University are thinking of them and their families.

The relationships being cultivated with officers training in Lviv, also helps Leeds Trinity’s aim of sharing our values and strengthening democratic institutions.  It’s important to promote democratic values, the rule of law, and human rights, contributing to a more just and equitable world order.

The work we are doing with Ukraine offers an opportunity for cultural exchange and engagement. Building bridges through educational programmes, exchanges and initiatives, helps to foster mutual understanding.

We hope our messages of kindness and Leeds Trinity University’s assistance to the Ethical Support Alliance will help to continue promoting a culture of positive collaborative working to benefit all parties.

To find out more about Leeds Trinity’s partnership with the Ethical Support Alliance and the Lviv State University for Internal Affairs, visit the University website.

Jonathan Jackson is Associate Professor in Policing at Leeds Trinity University and Academic Director for the Ethical Support Alliance.