Prince Harry has made a direct appeal to Vladimir Putin to finish the conflict and ‘select a unique course’ during surprise visit to Ukraine today.
The Duke of Sussex arrived within the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv this morning, after flying to Poland after which taking an overnight train into the war-torn country.
Harry said that it was ‘good to be back in Ukraine,’ and that he wanted his visit ‘to remind people back home and world wide what Ukraine is up against’.
He described Ukraine as a rustic ‘bravely and successfully defending Europe’s eastern flank,’ adding that it ‘matters that we don’t lose sight of the importance of that’.
Harry’s unannounced visit comes only one week after Russia’s deadliest drone and missile strike on the capital this 12 months, which killed 17 people and injured greater than 100.
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The British Army veteran attended the Kyiv Security Conference, where he delivered a speech to the ‘brave’ people of Ukraine.
Harry declared he was ‘here as a soldier who understands service, as a humanitarian who has seen the human cost of conflict.’
The prince addressed that today marks the anniversary of the beginning of the war and, directly addressing Russian President Vladimir Putin, he said: ‘President Putin, no nation advantages from the continued lack of life we’re witnessing.
‘There continues to be a moment – now – to stop this war, to stop further suffering for Ukrainians and Russians alike, and to decide on a unique course.’
He also referred to the ‘American leadership’, but didn’t mention Donald Trump by name, saying it was a ‘moment for America to indicate that it will possibly honour its international treaty obligations…not out of charity, but out of its enduring role in global security and strategic stability’.
He said: ‘The US has a singular role on this story. Not only due to its power, but because when Ukraine gave up nuclear weapons, America was a part of the reassurance that Ukraine’s sovereignty and borders can be respected.’
The 41-year-old also described himself as a ‘friend of Ukraine who believes the world must not grow used to this war or numb to its consequences.’
He said: ‘Over the past 12 months, I’ve had the honour and privilege of visiting Ukraine twice. Every time I left deeply moved by the courage, dignity and unbreakable spirit of the Ukrainian people.
‘For 4 years, Ukraine has stood firm. You’ve shown the world what true resilience looks like.
‘You reminded us all that freedom and independence are never guaranteed. They need protecting, defending, and when essential, fighting for.’
He told those on the front lines and supporting from the house front that their strength ‘inspires the world’, ‘unites us’ and ‘lights a path forward for us all’.
‘Please know that you simply usually are not alone,’ he said. ‘The world stands with you, and we proceed to learn out of your courage each day. Stay strong, stay brave, stay hopeful. Slava Ukraine!’
That is Harry’s third visit to Ukraine because the outbreak of the war, and his second visit to Kyiv within the last 12 months. In September, the prince hung out within the capital to support hundreds of veterans injured within the war.
The duke, who was joined by the team from his Invictus Games Foundation, said he desired to do ‘all the things possible’ to assist the recovery of military personnel.
The trip detailed recent initiatives to support the rehabilitation of the wounded in Kyiv, with the eventual aim to support the remaining of the country.
Throughout the same visit, Harry toured the National Museum of the History of Ukraine within the Second World War and witnessed firsthand the destruction attributable to Russian strikes, including a damaged residential constructing.
In April 2025, Harry also visited Lviv in western Ukraine, near Poland’s border.
On the unannounced trip, he met with war victims on the Superhumans Center, a specialised hospital for rehabilitating civilians and armed forces.
Harry touched on the rehabilitation centre in his speech today. After referring to his previous visit, he said he ‘saw the work of the Superhumans Center — restoring not only bodies, but lives’.
‘It’s proof that even within the darkest moments, humanity has a rare capability to rebuild. And that very same spirit extends beyond the front lines,’ he said.
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