Princess Anne Visits Kyiv to Honor Ukrainian War-Affected Children and Veterans

Princess Anne made a surprise visit to Kyiv to highlight the traumatic experiences of children affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine, placing a teddy bear at a memorial honoring over 650 children killed since Russia's invasion. During her trip, she met with President Zelensky, First Lady Olena Zelenska, and Ukrainian veterans undergoing rehabilitation, participating in therapy sessions and visiting memorials including the Children's Memorial and the Martyrology site. The Princess Royal also visited the Child Rights Protection Center, where she spoke with children rescued from Russian-occupied territories, including those who endured captivity and separation from their families. Her visit, requested by the UK Foreign Office, aimed to draw international attention to the plight of Ukrainian children, with Zelenska emphasizing the continued loss of young lives due to Russian aggression. Additionally, Princess Anne toured an exhibition documenting Russian war crimes and met with Ukrainian artists and filmmakers, underscoring the cultural resilience amid conflict. The visit reflects the UK’s ongoing support for Ukraine and its people, with the royal family maintaining close ties through multiple engagements with Ukrainian leadership.