Prince Harry makes surprise Ukraine visit to 'remind people back home what country is up against'
The Duke of Sussex arrived in Kyiv on ThursdayPrince Harry made a surprise visit to Kyiv, Ukraine this week as he issued a warning to the world.
On Thursday morning, the Duke of Sussex, 41, stepped off an overnight train from Poland. Prince Harry previously visited Kyiv in September last year.
Harry said he wants to “remind people back home and around the world what Ukraine is up against” as they continue their long fight against Russian aggression.
Prince Harry makes surprise visit to Ukraine
Speaking to ITV News upon his arrival, Harry said: “It’s good to be back in Ukraine.”
He said he wants “to remind people back home and around the world what Ukraine is up against and to support the people and partners doing extraordinary work every hour of every day in incredibly tough conditions”.
Harry called Ukraine “a country bravely and successfully defending Europe’s eastern flank”. He said “it matters that we don’t lose sight of the significance of that”.
During his trip, the Duke of Sussex also attended the Kyiv Security Conference.
Harry issues speech at conference in Ukraine
During a speech at the event, Harry said: “I am not here as a politician. I am here as a soldier who understands service, as a humanitarian who has seen the human cost of conflict, and as a friend of Ukraine who believes the world must not grow used to this war or numb to its consequences.”
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Harry served in the British Army for 10 years.
I am here as a soldier who understands service.
He also praised the “resilience” of the people of Ukraine. He also that “beyond the visible losses, there is the invisible cost: The trauma carried by those returning from the front. The psychological strain on families living under constant threat and bombardment”.
The duke added: “I have seen this nation’s resilience firsthand—through members of the Invictus community, Ukrainian servicemen and women who have faced unimaginable challenges and continue to lead with strength, dignity, and purpose.”
Harry makes plea to Putin
In his speech, Prince Harry also appealed to Russia’s President Vladimir Putin.
He said: “President Putin, no nation benefits from the continued loss of life we are witnessing. There is still a moment now to stop this war, to prevent further suffering for Ukrainians and Russians alike, and to choose a different course.”
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He concluded, seemingly appealing to US President Donald Trump. Harry said: “This is a moment for American leadership. A moment for America to show that it can honour its international treaty obligations.
“Not out of charity, but out of its enduring role in global security and strategic stability.”
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