King’s College London Students’ Union (KCLSU) has concluded its investigation into the university’s Ukrainian Society over past drone fundraising activities, Roar News can reveal. Unlike the Ukrainian societies as University College London (UCL) and Lancaster University, the KCL Ukrainian Society has not been suspended.
In a letter sent earlier this month to the outgoing President and Treasurer of the KCL Ukrainian Society, seen by Roar, a KCLSU representative confirmed an investigation would be taking place in relation to “fundraising activities of your Society Group.”
The inquiry follows heightened scrutiny of student societies supporting Ukraine militarily, particularly after both the University College London (UCL) and Lancaster University Ukrainian societies were suspended for purchasing drones intended for Ukrainian forces.
Most students’ unions across the UK are registered charities and as such are bound by Charity Commission rules around fundraising, which do not allow funds to be used for activities that could be seen as supporting military action or foreign combat operations.
In a statement to Roar News, the KCL Ukrainian Society said:
“We can confirm that during the 2022–23 and 2023–24 academic years, our society raised funds to support Ukraine’s humanitarian needs, including the purchase of two DJI Mavic 3 Pro drones. These drones were purchased directly from an official DJI store in London. The drones have the potential to support volunteers, locating wounded civilians in otherwise inaccessible areas, and safely delivering small quantities of medical or food supplies without risking human lives. In these contexts, drones are life-saving tools.
We have had very productive dialogue with KCLSU representatives in the past fortnight, during which we explained the nature and purpose of the fundraiser. It was evident from this exchange that KCLSU wants to support us in continuing our work in a compliant and transparent way.
We will continue to fundraise for Ukraine for as long as the need remains, but with improvements to our communication and full adherence to KCLSU procedures and charity regulations.”
KCL Ukrainian Society Spokesperson
KCLSU’s investigation into its Ukrainian Society was centred on statements and activities in relation to drone fundraising made throughout the academic year.
The society had listed the purchase of a drone as part of its achievements in the previous academic year on the KCLSU website.
Additionally, a social media post from Lancaster’s Ukrainian Society, which has since been deleted but seen by Roar, mentioned KCL’s involvement in drone fundraising.
However, the KCL Ukrainian Society clarified to Roar that it did not officially take part, though some individual committee members may have supported it in a personal capacity.
At UCL, the Ukrainian Society used £1,500 from event profits to buy a DJI Mavic 3 drone, which was sent to the Ukrainian frontline.
Their Ukrainian society told The Cheese Grater that the drone was for humanitarian purposes, such as locating wounded soldiers.
However, the UCL Students’ Union suspended the society, citing potential breaches of UK charity law, which prohibits charities from providing aid or military supplies to foreign armed forces.
Similarly, Lancaster University’s Ukrainian Society raised over £20,000, with more than half reportedly spent on drones and related parts in the summer of 2023.
Their Students’ Union also suspended the society pending an investigation, emphasising adherence to charity regulations.
A spokesperson for KCLSU told Roar:
“KCLSU has met with KCL Ukrainian Society and completed its investigation.
We remain committed to ensuring all Student Group activities align with the charitable aims of KCLSU and the regulatory framework we operate within.
We will continue to support Student Groups in understanding and fulfilling these obligations.”
KCLSU Spokesperson
The outcome of this investigation could influence how student societies at King’s navigate support for international conflicts while complying with UK charity law in the future.
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