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. The Duke of Sussex arrived in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv this morning, after flying to Poland and then 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 around the world what Ukraine is up against.' He described Ukraine as a country 'bravely and successfully defending Europe's eastern flank,' adding that it 'matters that we don't lose sight of the significance of that.'
Harry's unannounced visit comes just one week after Russia's deadliest drone and missile strike on the capital this year, which killed 17 people and injured more than 100. 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 start of the war and, directly addressing Russian 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.'
He also referred to 'American leadership,' but did not mention Donald Trump by name, saying it was 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.' He said: 'The United States has a singular role in this story. Not only because of its power, but because when Ukraine gave up nuclear weapons, America was part of the assurance that Ukraine's sovereignty and borders would 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 year, I've had the honour and privilege of visiting Ukraine twice. Each time I left deeply moved by the courage, dignity and unbreakable spirit of the Ukrainian people. For four 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 necessary, fighting for.'
He told those on the front lines and supporting from the home front that their strength 'inspires the world,' 'unites us' and 'lights a path forward for us all.' 'Please know that you are not alone,' he said. 'The world stands with you, and we continue to learn from your courage every single day. Stay strong, stay brave, stay hopeful. Slava Ukraine!'
This is Harry's third visit to Ukraine since the outbreak of the war, and his second visit to Kyiv in the last year. In September, the prince spent time in the capital to support thousands of veterans injured in the war. The duke, who was joined by the team from his Invictus Games Foundation, said he wanted to do 'everything possible' to help the recovery of military personnel. The trip detailed new initiatives to support the rehabilitation of the wounded in Kyiv, with the eventual aim to support the rest of the country.
During the same visit, Harry toured the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War and witnessed firsthand the destruction caused by Russian strikes, including a damaged residential building. In April 2025, Harry also visited Lviv in western Ukraine, close to Poland's border. On the unannounced trip, he met with war victims at 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 is proof that even in the darkest moments, humanity has an extraordinary capacity to rebuild. And that same spirit extends beyond the front lines,' he said.
