Prince Harry has made a direct appeal to Vladimir Putin to end the conflict and ‘choose a different course’ during a surprise visit to Ukraine today.
Duke of Sussex arrived in the Ukrainian capital of Kiev this morning after flying to Poland and then taking an overnight train to the war-torn country.
Harry said it was “good to be back in Ukraine” and that he wanted his visit to “remind people at home and around the world what Ukraine is against’.
He described Ukraine as a country that ‘bravely and successfully defends the eastern flank of Europe’, adding that ‘it is important that we do not forget the importance of this’.
Harry’s unannounced visit comes just a week later of Russia The deadliest drone and missile attack in the capital this year, which killed 17 people and injured over 100.
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of British Army veteran attended the Kyiv Security Conference, where he addressed the ‘brave’ people of Ukraine.
Harry stated that he was “here as a soldier who understands service, as a humanitarian who has seen the human cost of conflict”.
The prince said that today marks the anniversary of the start of the war and addressing the Russian President directly Vladimir Putinhe said: “President Putin, no nation benefits from the continued loss of life that we are seeing.
“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.
He also referred to ‘American leadership’, but did not name it Donald Trump by name, saying it was a ‘moment for America to show that it can honor its international treaty obligations…not for charity, but for its enduring role in global security and strategic stability’.
He said: “The United States has a special role in this story. Not only because of its power, but because when Ukraine gave up nuclear weaponsAmerica was part of the guarantee that Ukraine’s sovereignty and borders would be respected.’
The 41-year-old also described himself as a “friend of Ukraine who believes that the world should not become accustomed to this war or numb to its consequences”.
He continued: “Over the past year, I have had the honor and privilege of visiting Ukraine twice. Each time I came away deeply moved by the courage, dignity and indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people.
“For four years, Ukraine has stood firm. You have shown the world what true resilience looks like.
“You reminded us all that freedom and independence are never guaranteed. They need protection, protection and when necessary, to fight back.’
“I want to speak directly to you, those on the front lines and those who support from the front of the country. Your strength inspires the world.’
He told those on the front line and supporters from the home front that their strength ‘inspires the world’, ‘brings us together’ and ‘lights a way forward for us all’.
“Please know you are not alone,” he said. “The world stands with you and we continue to learn from your courage every day. Stay strong, stay brave, stay hopeful. Slava Ukraine!’
This is it Harry’s third visit to Ukraine since the outbreak of war and his second visit to Kiev in the last year. In September, the prince spent time in the capital to support thousands of war-wounded veterans.
The Duke, who was joined by the team from his Invictus Games Foundation, said he wanted to do “everything possible” to help military personnel recover.
The trip detailed new initiatives to support the rehabilitation of the wounded in Kyiv, with the ultimate goal of supporting the rest of the country.
During the same visit, Harry visited the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II and witnessed firsthand the devastation caused by the Russian attacks, including a damaged residential building.
In April 2025, Harry also visited Lviv in western Ukraine, near the Polish border.
On the unannounced trip, he met with war victims at the Superhuman Center, a hospital specializing in the rehabilitation of civilians and the armed forces.
Harry touched on the rehabilitation center in his speech today. After referring to his previous visit, he said he “saw the work of the Superhuman Center – restoring not only bodies, but lives.”
“It’s proof that even in the darkest moments, humanity has an incredible capacity to rebuild. And that same spirit extends beyond the front lines,” he said.
