Since President Putin ordered troops to invade Ukraine on 24 February 2022, King’s academics and researchers have shared their expertise with the world to help enhance public understanding of the war and its many consequences. As a university, King’s has also sought to directly help those displaced by the war through leading the higher education response to help students and academics from Ukraine continue with their education and research.
As we now mark one year since the invasion of Ukraine, the commitment of King’s and our researchers continues around highlighting the effects of the conflict and supporting those whose lives have been so affected by it.
Sharing expertise and insights
Our academics are sharing their expertise regularly across media around the world and in the 12 months since war broke out, have appeared in more than 26,120 articles and broadcasts*.
Recent coverage has included Dr Mike Martin quoted in The Financial Times about the likelihood of a Spring offensive by Russia, Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman quoted on The Associated Press about troop losses in the battle for Bakhmut, Professor Gulnaz Sharafutdinova quoted on CNN about how the war is impacting Russia’s economy, Professor Michael Clarke quoted in The Sunday Times about President Putin’s options, Dr Marina Miron appeared on BBC Radio 4's The Briefing Room to discuss the Wagner Group, Vera Michlin Shapir interviewed on CNN.com explaining why The West needed to send more weapons to Ukraine and Professor Peter Neumann quoted in The Washington Post on the Europe's response to the conflict. Footage of damaged Russian tanks that was shared online by Rob Lee was reported in Newsweek and an article co-authored by Professor Christoph Meyer about how the invasion is proof the EU needs to get better at stopping mass atrocities appeared in The Conversation .
Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman, King’s Emeritus Professor of War Studies, also appeared in the BBC documentary 'Putin vs The West'. A screening of the final episode was hosted at King's, attended by Ukraine's Ambassador to the UK Vadym Prystaiko, British diplomat Mark Sedwill, Professor Lawrence Freedman and documentary producers who all participated in a Q&A session as part of the event.
Vadym Prystaiko, Ukraine's ambassador to the UK, speaks to the audience of the 'Putin vs The West' screening at King's on 22 February 2023
Audience attending the 'Putin vs The West' screening at King's on 22 February 2023
The panel including Vadym Prystaiko, Ukraine's ambassador to the UK, Ukraine Ambassador Vadym Prystaiko, British diplomat Mark Sedwill, Professor Lawrence Freedman and documentary producers speaks to the audience of the 'Putin vs The West' screening…
War and conflict have devastating and far-reaching effects that touch all aspects of life. Research into these impacts – from the consequences for those displaced by conflict, to the ramifications on the geo-political landscape, to the lasting effects on mental health – help the world understand how we may be able to limit these impacts and support those affected.– Professor 'Funmi Olonisakin, Vice President (International, Engagement & Service)
It is with great sadness that we mark the first anniversary of the war in Ukraine. A world where wars of aggression continue to devastate the lives of individuals and nations is not the world we want for ourselves or for coming generations. Let us at King’s commit ourselves to working for the justice and peace that is key to living into our commitment to make the world a better place.– Rev Ellen Clark-King, Dean of King’s College London
Supporting Ukrainian students and researchers
Kings has worked in partnership to develop the University Sponsorship Model with Citizens UK, Ukrainian Sponsorship Pathway UK (USPUK), the Open University, Newcastle University and the University of Leicester. The University Sponsorship Model enables higher education institutions to implement the UK Government's Homes for Ukraine scheme and support Ukrainian students and academics to continue their studies and research.
So far more than 50 individuals have been sponsored by members of the King’s community, including academic fellows, students who continue to study their degrees at Ukrainian universities online and recipients of our Sanctuary Scholarships.
The Language Centre in the School of Professional & Continuing Education (PACE) provided free Ukrainian online language courses to people taking part in the Sanctuary Programme. French language experts at King’s also worked through the Circle U. Alliance to support refugee students continuing their education at universities in France and Belgium.
One of those who has been helped by the Sanctuary programme is Ukrainian university student Anna, who is hosted by Dr Jennifer Stevenson (Honorary Senior Lecturer and Clinical Pharmacist, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine) and her family. Jennifer and Anna have shared their experience and reflected on the many benefits of hosting.
Hosting has been incredibly rewarding. Our guest has demonstrated exceptional bravery and determination to succeed even in the most challenging of circumstances which reminds us daily of how fortunate we are and inspires us to take every opportunity we can.– Dr Jennifer Stevenson, Honorary Senior Lecturer and Clinical Pharmacist, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine
It has been a truly rewarding experience to work in partnership with the Open University, Newcastle University and the University of Leicester to develop the University Sponsorship Model as a cross-sectoral collaborative approach to resettling and supporting individuals impacted by the war in Ukraine. Our ambition is that the University Sponsorship Model can be scaled and replicated to deliver transformative educational opportunities and safe and legal pathways for displaced students and academics from across the world.– Dr Leonie Ansems de Vries, Reader in International Politics and Director of the King’s Sanctuary Programme, King’s College London
Looking ahead
King’s continues to seek more hosts to help Ukrainian students and researchers find safety in the UK and continue their academic journeys. Find out more by signing up for the ‘University Sponsorship’ webinar on 29 March 2023 or register your interest in hosting a displaced student or academic
During March there will also be a programme of film screenings and events to showcase and celebrate Ukrainian Culture & Cinema and raise funds for Ukrainian charities nominated by our film directors and speakers.
The same month there are events to launch two books by our academics relating to the war. In 'Russia’s War', Dr Jade McGlynn explores Russians’ backing for the invasion, and in 'Command', Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman looks at the politics of military operations from Korea to Ukraine.
The coming months will also include conferences, online webinars, public events and continued work with the media to ensure the war and its consequences remain in people’s minds as the fighting and devastation continues.
*This figure represents each time a piece of coverage appears, so will include syndicated features, all online coverage and repeat broadcasts.