To: Professor Anatoliy Nikolaevich Geraschenko
Rector magnificus of the Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI),
Dear Sir,
In October of the year 2000A a diploma honoris causa has been awarded to the undersigned by rector
magnificus professor Matveenko and the senate of the MAI. The diploma was presented during a ceremony
on March 2001 in the company of MAI’s rector magnificus , rector magnificus professor Wakker of the Delft
University of Technology (DUT), honorary promoter professor Yuri Shustrov and an audience of MAI staff
and students.
During the last decennium of the 20th century and the first decennium of the 21st century there have been
increasingly frequent and fruitful contacts between Russian and Western-European aeronautical
researchers, teachers and students. One of the regular mediums for these contacts has been the European
Workshop of Aircraft Design Education - EWADE. In the year 2007 there was a successful workshop at the
Samara State Aerospace University.
It has become clear to me that the election of president Putin in 2011 has been the restart of his aggressive
exclusivity. The ghastly act of shooting down the Maleysian flight MH17 on the 17th of July 2014 in EastUkraine – killing 298 innocent people, including one staff member and one student of the DUT -- has
shocked the world. This act is rather similar to the South Korean flight KAL007 which was shot down in 1983,
killing 269 passengers. This was caused by a mistake of the Soviet fighter pilot – excuses were never made.
The explosion of PanAm 103 flight above Lockerbie (1988) and UTA772 flight above Tsjaad (1989), both
directed by the late colonel Gadaffi. Admitted there appear to be similarities between this former dictator in
Libia and the present one in Russia.
Although the relevant VN resolution of the 21st July 2014 was supported unanimously, the preceding
negotiations have made it clear that the Kremlin is not prepared to admit any responsibility for the MH17
disaster. In order to establish the a world power similar to the former undemocratic and violent USSR,
Russia continues to escalate conflicts with and inside surrounding countries such as Ukraine and Tsjetsjenia.
I refrain from mentioning the support by Russia by continuing arms deliveries to civil wars such as in Irak
and Syria. The discrimination of (homosexual) minorities and the obstruction of political parties opposing
Putin’s clique and the poor record in respecting basic human freedoms makes me very pessimistic about the
future of Russia ever to become a civilized country.
Dear rector Geraschenko,
you have probably been reading my above text while thinking: “What is this old bloke trying to tell me?”
Contrary to what you may expect, I am not fostering illusions that anything I can do will change the world.
In my opinion, however, scientists and academic teachers have the duty to give an example of ethical
behavior to the society in general and students in particular. The only opportunity I see is to return my
honorary diploma awarded by the MAI in order to make it clear that the government you are serving is
roaming like an unguided missile. I am thereby refraining from the privilege to be your honorary doctor
which I have cherished for almost 15 years. You can expect it this week or the next one. I am looking
forward to your reply.
Delft, 22nd July 2014
Professor emeritus Egbert Torenbeek