Secret Journey to Kyiv
Prince Harry has made an unannounced trip to Ukraine, arriving in Kyiv early on Friday morning after travelling by train from Poland.
The Duke of Sussex’s visit comes at the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s government.
It marks Harry’s first appearance in Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022.
The royal travelled discreetly with members of the Invictus Games Foundation, which supports wounded veterans worldwide.
Aim of the Visit
Prince Harry said his purpose was clear – to highlight the struggles of soldiers injured in the conflict.
“We cannot stop the war,” he told The Guardian, “but what we can do is help with the recovery process.”
He stressed the importance of keeping the war visible to the world.
“It’s easy for people to become desensitised,” he added. “I hope this trip brings it back into focus.”
Origin of the Invitation
The invitation to Kyiv came after a chance meeting between Harry and Olga Rudnieva, CEO of the Superhumans Center in Lviv.
The centre provides treatment for amputees and other victims of war injuries.
(Picture: Duke and Duchess of Sussex)
Rudnieva encouraged Harry to travel to Ukraine, telling him his presence would have a powerful impact.
Harry confirmed he sought approval from both the British government and his wife, Meghan Markle, before accepting.
Plans in Ukraine
During his trip, Harry will meet with 200 Ukrainian veterans invited to Kyiv for the occasion.
He will also visit the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War.
Later, he is expected to sit down with Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko.
It remains unclear whether he will meet President Zelensky, who is holding talks with the new UK Foreign Secretary.
Invictus Games Role
The Duke is expected to work with his Invictus team on plans to expand rehabilitation programmes.
These initiatives could eventually support injured soldiers across Ukraine.
More than 130,000 Ukrainians are believed to have been left with permanent disabilities since the war began.
Harry said his mission was to “humanise the people behind the statistics.”
Military Experience
The visit resonates personally with Harry, who served two tours of duty in Afghanistan.
His first deployment was in 2007-2008 for 10 weeks, followed by a longer 20-week tour in 2012-2013.
That experience shaped his commitment to supporting injured servicemen and women.
It also inspired him to launch the Invictus Games in 2014.
Recent UK Visit
Harry’s journey to Ukraine follows a private visit to London earlier in the week.
He met King Charles III for the first time in 20 months, spending just under an hour with him at Clarence House.
The brief reunion has fuelled speculation of a potential reconciliation between father and son.
Harry also laid flowers at Queen Elizabeth II’s grave on the third anniversary of her death.
Family Context
The Duke travelled alone, with Meghan Markle remaining in California.
She stayed at home with their children, Archie, six, and Lilibet, four.
Meghan has not returned to the UK since Queen Elizabeth’s funeral in September 2022.
The couple’s children last visited Britain in June that year during the Platinum Jubilee.
British Support for Ukraine
Meanwhile, UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is also in Ukraine for her first overseas mission.
She has pledged £142 million in aid to help the country through the winter and into 2026.
The funds will be used to bolster humanitarian support and energy infrastructure.
Her visit underlines the UK government’s ongoing commitment to Kyiv.
