Kurilla, an American, was dismissed from the European University

Americanist Ivan Kurilla reported that he was fired from the European University in St. Petersburg “for absenteeism.” “Bumaga” writes about this with reference to Kurilla’s closed Facebook post and T-Invariant – with reference to his words.

According to Kurilla, the university terminated the contract with him because he had not gone to work since January 12, as he was on creative leave. The historian noted that the vacation was agreed upon an hour ago, but the rector refused to sign the order about it literally on the eve of the vacation.

Kurilla added that he was ready to leave by agreement of the parties, but they did not reach an agreement. The Americanist assumed that he might be fired because of “reinsurance” or because of the recent publication of T-Invariant.

He did not specify which publication he had in mind, but T-Invariant recently released an investigation into how the FSB is pursuing scientists who two years ago signed a letter against a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Kurilla also signed the letter.

The European University did not comment on the situation.

• After the start of the war in Ukraine, the Russian authorities began to persecute scientists, including under articles of treason for participating in international projects and conferences.