King Charles praises ‘determination and strength’ of Ukrainian people ‘in the face of indescribable aggression’ on second anniversary of Putin’s invasion
The King has praised the ‘determination and strength’ of the Ukrainian people in a message marking the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion.
Charles III says he is ‘greatly encouraged’ by the efforts of the UK and its allies in supporting Ukraine ‘at this time of such great suffering and need’.
He said: ‘The determination and strength of the Ukrainian people continues to inspire, as the unprovoked attack on their land, their lives and livelihoods enters a third, tragic, year.
‘Despite the tremendous hardship and pain inflicted upon them, Ukrainians continue to show the heroism with which the world associates them so closely.
‘Theirs is true valour, in the face of indescribable aggression. I have felt this personally in the many meetings I have had with Ukrainians since the start of the war, from President Zelensky and Mrs Zelenska, to new army recruits training here in the United Kingdom.
‘I continue to be greatly encouraged that the United Kingdom and our allies remain at the forefront of international efforts to support Ukraine at this time of such great suffering and need.
‘My heart goes out to all those affected, as I remember them in my thoughts and prayers.’
The King has undertaken many engagements in the UK linked to Ukraine since the war began, including visiting a training site for military recruits in Wiltshire.
He has met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky several times, including during his visit to the UK in February last year.
It was announced earlier this month that Charles had been diagnosed with a form of cancer, discovered while he was being treated in hospital for an enlarged prostate.
He has started a schedule of regular treatments but postponed all public-facing duties, spending much of his time at the royal residence in Sandringham, Norfolk.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak joined other world leaders in reaffirming support for Ukraine on the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion, vowing to back Kyiv ‘until they prevail’.
The Prime Minister said ‘tyranny will never triumph’ as President Volodymyr Zelensky’s troops defend the country against an emboldened Moscow.
The UK has pledged to invest £245 million in producing artillery shells for Ukraine and £8.5 million in humanitarian funding as the conflict enters its third year.
Saturday marks two years since the Kremlin launched its attack on Ukraine, starting the biggest incursion in a European country since the Second World War.
Mr Sunak, who visited Kyiv last month to sign a new security agreement and announce an increase in military funding for the country, said on Friday: ‘When (Russian President Vladimir) Putin launched his illegal invasion two years ago, the free world was united in its response.
‘We stood together behind Ukraine. And on this grim anniversary, we must renew our determination.
‘I was in Kyiv just a few weeks ago and I met wounded Ukrainian soldiers. Each harrowing story was a reminder of Ukraine’s courage in the face of terrible suffering.
‘It was a reminder of the price they are paying not only to defend their country against a completely unjustified invasion, but also to defend the very principles of freedom, sovereignty and the rule of law on which we all depend.’
He added: ‘This is the moment to show that tyranny will never triumph and to say once again that we will stand with Ukraine today and tomorrow.
‘We are prepared to do whatever it takes, for as long as it takes, until they prevail.’
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who hopes to enter Number 10 after the general election this year, said Britain would always support Ukraine ‘no matter who is in power in this country’ and added that Mr Putin’s ‘cowardice and barbarity’ will not prevail.
Sir Keir said: ‘The resistance of the Ukrainian people has inspired and humbled the world. The UK and our allies will stand in solidarity with them until their day of victory.
