Dutch studio MVRDV has halted work on all five of its projects in Russia, including its Red7 tower in Moscow, following the country's invasion of Ukraine.

"As architects and urbanists, we work in many countries to make a difference and we believe wholeheartedly in international dialogue and in peace," said the studio in a statement.

"For this reason, we have immediately stopped our involvement in projects in Russia until further notice."

"We have stopped our Russian projects"

The Rotterdam-based studio explained that the invasion, which began on 24 February, has impacted its projects in both Ukraine and Russia.

While its two Ukrainian projects – an urban masterplan and a private home in Kyiv – have been halted directly due to the invasion, it made the decision to withdraw from all five of its current projects in Russia.

"As a practice, we are affected twofold," said the studio. "Our projects in Ukraine have sadly been put on hold by the atrocities."

"Right after the start of the invasion, we began contacting our Ukrainian friends and partners in support and we try to remain in touch."

"We have stopped our Russian projects, even though this means we have to stop collaborating with people we have known for years, and who are dedicated to bringing a more collaborative international outlook to Russia," it added.

Along with the Red7 tower (pictured top), the studio was working on another two projects in Moscow, an urban masterplan in St Petersburg and the renovation of a large complex in the southern city of Krasnodar.

"We stand in solidarity"

In response to the invasion, numerous architects, designers and institutions have shown solidarity with Ukraine including fashion designer Giorgio Armani, who held his latest catwalk show in silence.

MVRDV joined these organisations by condemning the attack by Russia on its neighbour.

"Our heartfelt sympathy and thoughts are with the people of Ukraine," it said.

"We are thinking about our friends, partners, and clients that are in danger at this moment. We support our colleagues who are worried about their country and their loved ones," it continued.

"We stand in solidarity with all the people who are defying and protesting against this war, and we strongly condemn the violence."

In response to the invasion, the National Union of Architects of Ukraine called upon the International Union of Architects to expel the Union of Architects of Russia from the organisation.

"Those who do not condemn Russia's actions support them," said National Union of Architects of Ukraine president Oleksandr Chyzhevsky in a statement. "We are convinced that the UIA must decide on Russia's membership."