#StandWithUkraine
My name is Alex. I’m a QGIS core developer from Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine and the author of many QGIS plugins. For years I have contributed to the FOSSGIS community by sharing knowledge, providing support and developing open-source tools. However, on February 24, 2022, my life and the lives of all Ukrainians have changed when russia launched unprovoked, full-scale invasion of our country.
The deeds of russia and its armed forces can only be described as genocide. They destroy hospitals and schools, residential areas and civilian infrastructure, museums, and our cultural and historical heritage. The list of war crimes they commit grows with every minute and their actions are backed by wide support within their country.
Now, most of my projects include a “terms of use” section that serves as an “ethical license” for those who wish to use them. I do not want the results of my work and expertise to be used by those who question my right to exist or the sovereignty of my country.
You can also find these terms below.
Terms of Use
By using any of my plugins or their source code for any purpose and in any form, you accept and uphold the following:
- You acknowledge the absolute sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
- You condemn the russian unprovoked act of aggression and the systematic war crimes being committed on Ukrainian territory.
- You reject the false narratives and dehumanizing disinformation produced by russian state propaganda.
- You recognize the actions of russia as a campaign of genocide against the Ukrainian people.
- You acknowledge the collective responsibility of those supporting, enabling, or remaining silent during this aggression.
- You support the demand for a special international tribunal to hold all perpetrators and their enablers accountable.
- You demand the immediate return of all Ukrainian citizens, including the thousands of children forcibly deported to russia.
- You will seek alternatives to products developed by russian entities, recognizing that their revenue contributes to funding the ongoing genocide and that continued use normalizes russia’s actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Why are you making your software political?
- A: I am Ukrainian, and currently my whole life is “political” because my right to exist is being challenged. My code is an extension of my life, and I do not want it to benefit those who remain indifferent to the destruction of my home.
- Q: These terms aren’t compatible with the Open Source Definition or the GPL.
- A: I am perfectly aware. But my survival and the sovereignty of my country are more important to me than traditional ideals of open-source licensing. If you find these terms unacceptable, you are free to not use my work.
- Q: These terms aren’t legally enforceable.
- A: Yes, I know. But this is an ethical and moral license, and I expect it to have the same role and weight as a Code of Conduct.
- Q: There are two sides to every conflict; have you considered other perspectives?
- A: There are no “perspectives” when it comes to genocide and unprovoked invasion. If you believe there is a “middle ground” when it comes to the slaughter of civilians, we have no common basis for communication.
If you wish to help, below is a list of funds and organizations I trust and recommend. I have intentionally excluded large global organizations like the Red Cross and UN agencies like UNHCR or Crisis Relief as they have very limited presense in Ukraine and can’t provide required support.
- Come Back Alive (defensive and humanitarian aid)
- Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation (defensive and humanitarian aid)
- KOLO Foundation (defensive aid)
- Reactive Post (defensive aid)
Glory to Ukraine!