harry to the rescue?

Prince Harry Makes Surprise Kyiv Visit to Praise Ukraine’s Brave Defence

Prince Harry has made a surprise visit to Kyiv, arriving by train after a deadly drone strike and praising Ukraine’s defence while meeting officials and aid workers.

Key Points

  • Arrived in Kyiv by train after a deadly drone strike, visiting amid ongoing missile and drone attacks
  • Called the conflict a war of values, condemned Putin’s actions, urged global awareness of Ukraine’s struggle
  • Third visit since 2022; will meet Halo Trust de-miners and reconnect with Invictus Games athletes
By PQ Staff
PublishedApril 23, 2026 9:28 AM
UpdatedApril 23, 2026 9:34 AM

PRINCE Harry has made a surprise trip to Kyiv, praising Ukraine for its courageous defence against Russia.

The Duke of Sussex arrived by train following a deadly Russian drone strike in southern Ukraine, The Sun reports.

Harry, 41, told the newspaper, “It’s good to be back in Ukraine – a country bravely and successfully defending Europe’s eastern flank.”

He was welcomed by Ramina Shut, executive director of the Open Ukraine Foundation, organiser of the Kyiv Security Forum.

At the forum, Harry is set to call Ukraine “the frontline of democracy itself” and condemn Putin’s war crimes as “systematic and intentional.”

He described the conflict as “a war about values, not just territory,” highlighting the relentless missile strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

Harry said his visit aims “to remind people back home and around the world what Ukraine is up against.”

This marks his third trip since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, with previous visits in April and September last year.

He plans to meet de-miners from the Halo Trust, a charity linked to his late mother Princess Diana’s legacy.

The Duke will also reconnect with Ukraine’s Invictus Games athletes, supporting wounded veterans through sport.

Harry’s visit follows a recent trip to Australia with wife Meghan Markle.

He added, “I’m looking forward to seeing friends and re-connecting with the Invictus community again and standing alongside those helping Ukraine win this fight.”

Other royals have shown support too, with Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, and Princess Anne visiting Ukraine, and King Charles meeting President Zelensky regularly.

Prince William also made a symbolic visit to British troops on NATO’s eastern flank last year, praising Ukraine’s resilience.

Harry’s presence in Kyiv underscores his ongoing commitment to Ukraine amid the conflict’s harsh realities.

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