King Charles honours Ukrainians for 'determination and strength'
The King released a statement on the second anniversary of the war
Last updated 24th Feb 2024
King Charles has praised Ukrainians for their "determination and strength" as the country marks the two-year anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion.
Buckingham Palace released a statement on behalf of His Majesty as he continues his treatment for cancer on Saturday (February 24th).
In the message, the King said that the UK's efforts to stand with Ukraine as they battle Russian aggression left him "greatly encouraged".
He added that Ukrainians, who have been fighting to take back control of their land in the east showed "true valour" in their determination not to give up.
The full statement read: "The determination and strength of the Ukrainian people continues to inspire, as the unprovoked attack on their land, their lives and livelihoods enters a third, tragic, year.
"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. I have felt this personally in the many meetings I have had with Ukrainians since the start of the war, from President Zelensky and Mrs Zelenska, to new army recruits training here in the United Kingdom."
King Charles also commended the international community for its continued support for Ukraine throughout the last two years in times of "great suffering and need".
He finished his message: "My heart goes out to all those affected, as I remember them in my thoughts and prayers."
Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine brought conflict back to the continent after thirty years, with the invasion being the largest incursion of a European country since World War II.
Charles himself has been involved in the push for causes linked to Ukraine, visiting a training site for Ukrainian soldiers in Wiltshire.
As well as this, the King has also met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy multiple times, including his trip to the UK last February.