Charles III: We are united with the Ukraine

Elaf from London: In a message marking the first anniversary of the Russian invasion, Britain’s King Charles III paid tribute to the “truly remarkable courage” of the Ukrainian people.

King Charles, who met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier this month, said he hoped the solidarity from around the world would “bring strength in knowing that together, we stand united”.

In the first statement from a British monarch on the conflict in Ukraine, he added: “The Ukrainian people have suffered unimaginably from an all-out, unprovoked attack on their nation. They have shown truly remarkable courage and resilience in the face of such human tragedy.”

Suffering

King Charles continued: “The world has watched in horror the completely unnecessary suffering of Ukrainians, and I have had the pleasure of meeting many of them here in the UK and, indeed, around the world, from Romania to Canada.”

He said: “It’s great that the UK, along with its allies, is doing all it can to help at this difficult time. So I hope the solidarity from around the world is not just practical. Help, but also strength.” Knowing that, together, we unite.”

Rani declined to comment

It is notable that the late Queen Elizabeth II avoided making direct comments on political issues during her 70-year reign.
However, there was much speculation about the large-scale flowers in Ukrainian blues and yellows displayed when she met Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in March 2022.

He extended his “loving regards” during Ukraine’s annual Independence Day in August last year, in what he described as “this very challenging year”.
King Charles III’s statement comes after he met President Zelensky earlier this month, during the wartime leader’s first visit to the UK since the Russian invasion of his country began.

Charles greeted the President of Ukraine in Buckingham Palace’s drawing room in 1844 with a broad smile and a warm handshake, saying he was pleased to meet him. And the king said: “All of us have long been worried about you and thinking about your country.”