Prof. Dr. Markus M. Lerch, Medical Director of the LMU Klinikum, moderated the event, which was prepared by PD Dr. Iryna Klymenko from the LMU Munich History Department and PD Dr. Christian Schulz from the LMU Klinikum. "The beginning of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine marks a profound turning point in the history of Europe," said Prof. Lerch. While Ukraine received a great deal of support immediately after the Russian invasion, some people are now urging it to give up. "The people of Ukraine are paying a high price for what are fundamental European values: Democracy, human rights, freedom and sovereignty over one's own country. The Ukrainians are also defending our freedom. This makes any support we can offer all the more important." Since the beginning of the war, the LMU Klinikum has provided continuous support for those affected in the country in the form of money and donations in kind. The benefit concert is intended to reinforce this commitment. Those responsible were also particularly pleased that the Ukrainian Consul General in Munich, Yurii Nykytiuk and his wife Liudmyla Nykytiuk, attended.

In addition to the outstanding artistic performances by German and Ukrainian musicians, two lectures were among the special items on the evening's program. Maryana Svirchuk, Head of the Unbroken Rehabilitation Center, gave an impressive account of the medical challenges faced on a daily basis. "The team has now treated more than 19,000 war wounded, including children and civilians. After an attack, several hundred wounded often have to be treated, many of them with severe injuries such as burns, severed limbs and psychological trauma." Specialist areas such as reconstructive surgery and prosthetics are among the core areas. "However, Unbroken not only focuses on acute medical treatment, but also supports the injured and their families during rehabilitation. That's why psychology and psychiatry as well as sport and resocialization are also part of the repertoire," explained Maryana Svirchuk. Thanks to a large number of donations, Unbroken has been able to build up the necessary medical infrastructure over the last few years. However, further support is needed to cover the running costs for materials and staff.

It is difficult to talk about the war in Ukraine. Because it still determines the lives of the local people and at the same time there is no change, says Tanja Maljartschuk, Ukrainian writer and Bachmann Prize winner. In her lecture, she gave an impression of the enormous mental strain on the Ukrainian population caused by the war - and at the same time of the conflict between normal life with work, leisure and family and the regularly recurring threat and fear of death. The other Europeans must finally face up to this, she demanded. "Germany must learn to help itself and understand that an aggressor will not stop if you give him everything," said Tanja Maljartschuk. "If Ukraine experiences a defeat, then the war will come here to Germany."

The LMU Clinic continues to support Unbroken and is asking for donations.