In this article Oksana Seumenicht, a co-initiator of the UKRAINE network discusses how the Ukraine’s academic diaspora is building upon strong links with Germany to support the nation’s research system: “The time is ripe to join forces and support colleagues in Ukraine. Sharing knowledge on research practices, finding partners for collaboration, information on funding opportunities and grant-writing is priceless. With coordination and support, academic diasporas can help to sustain research in countries where it struggles to survive, and support modernisation efforts by civil society.”