KCL Ukrainian Society avoids suspension over past drone fundraising activities

This comes following similar investigations at UCL and Lancaster University

2 days ago

KCL Ukrainian Society has avoided suspension over its past drone fundraising activities.

An investigation into the society’s fundraising was conducted by the KCLSU. It has now concluded. This investigation focused on statements and activities related to drone fundraising carried out over the academic year. The society had listed the purchase of a drone among its achievements for the previous year on the KCLSU website, according to Roar News.

The investigation came after UCL and Lancaster University Ukrainian societies were suspended for purchasing drones intended for Ukrainian forces.

The UCL and Lancaster Students’ Unions are registered charities, and the suspension of their Ukrainian societies is based on the argument that the purchase of drones breaches UK charity laws.

“Providing aid or military supplies to any foreign armed force is not a charitable purpose, and no charity can legally undertake such activity”, according to the Charity Commission. The KCLSU is also a registered charity, and societies are bound by these rules.

A spokesperson from the KCL Ukrainian Society said: “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”.

The society justified its actions by claiming 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”.

A spokesperson from the KCLSU told The King’s Tab: “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.”