- By Sean Coughlan
- Royal correspondent
King Charles, pictured a year ago with President Zelensky, has hailed Ukraine’s “heroism”
King Charles has issued a strongly-worded message of support for Ukraine, in a statement marking the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion.
He has spoken of the “indescribable aggression” that has faced Ukrainians since what he calls the “unprovoked attack on their land”.
The unusually direct message seems to be a rallying call to keep up international assistance for Ukraine.
The King welcomed the continuing support from the UK and its allies.
At a time when there have been some doubts over financial and military aid for Ukraine, particularly from some politicians in the United States, King Charles commended the international support for Ukraine at a time of “great suffering and need”.
King Charles spoke of the military training being provided in the UK for Ukrainian soldiers and praised the efforts of the country’s President Zelensky.
As the war enters a third year, the King made no secret of his sympathies, hailing the “determination and strength of the Ukrainian people”.
“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,” said the King’s statement.
The war in Ukraine has been close to the King’s heart. In the early stages of the conflict he made a surprise visit to meet Ukrainian refugees who had fled across the border into Romania.
He has visited the Ukrainian community in the UK and on a state visit to France last year, the King told the Senate of the importance of a Ukrainian victory against Russia’s “horrifying” invasion, so that “our cherished freedoms will prevail”.
It’s unusual for the King to speak so unambiguously about an international conflict and his comments reflect the strength of his feeling.
This latest personal intervention on Ukraine comes as the King is receiving treatment for cancer. He has stepped back from public events, but is continuing to work in his role as head of state.
The King’s statement, which would have been made in consultation with ministers, follows the announcement by the UK of further sanctions against Russia.
Hundreds of people marched in London to mark the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who visited Kyiv last month to sign a new security agreement and announce £2.5bn of military aid to Ukraine over the coming year, said “we must renew our determination” on this “grim anniversary”.
The comments come as hundreds of pro-Ukraine demonstrators gathered at Speakers’ Corner in London’s Hyde Park and then marched to Trafalgar Square, where a vigil was held.
Demonstrations to mark the second anniversary of the Russian invasion are also being held in other parts of the UK including George Square in Glasgow.
Olha Plyushch, who arrived in the UK as a refugee with her 14-year-old daughter, has been managing the English School for Displaced Ukrainians at the Ukrainian Institute London.
Speaking at the demonstration, she said the school has provided free lessons to more than 1,000 refuges since it was established in May 2022.
“The English we learnt back in Ukraine is very different to the language the natives speak in the UK.”
Many Ukrainians want to find a job and rent a place, so as “not to abuse the kindness of the British hosts”, she said.
On 18 February the UK government launched the Ukraine permission extension scheme – it means those who have already been given permission to be in the UK under one of the existing Ukraine schemes will be able to apply for a further 18 months’ permission to stay in the UK.
Additional reporting by Olga Malchevska.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
