The resilience of the Ukrainians during years of Russian aggression is not something to “turn away from,” but merely expressing admiration for their endurance is not enough, – these thoughts were shared by Prince Harry when he unexpectedly appeared in public to support Ukraine.
The Duke of Sussex attended the United for Freedom charity evening at the Imperial War Museum in London on October 1. The event was organized to raise funds to support charities that help Ukraine in the ongoing conflict.
According to People magazine, Prince Harry delivered a speech at the event, reminding of the historical ties between the UK and Ukraine, and shared his own impressions from recent visits to Ukraine.
“I saw in Ukraine what I cannot turn away from. I met people who lost limbs, homes, and loved ones, and yet they find the strength to rebuild their lives,” said Prince Harry.
He also emphasized that “resilience in Ukraine does not belong to one group – it belongs to the entire country.”
“To those defending the frontline. To those treating the wounded. To those keeping businesses, schools, and communities running. To those developing technologies that are changing the nature of modern warfare. And to those rebuilding what was destroyed yesterday, knowing that it may be hit again tomorrow,” stated the British royal family member.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry cautioned that “their resilience should not in any way become an excuse for us to accept their suffering.”
“Ukrainians should not have to prove year after year how much they are capable of enduring – their bravery deserves more than our admiration. It deserves our determination,” he continued.
The Duke of Sussex, who served ten years in the British army, has visited Ukraine several times during the full-scale Russian invasion. Much of his work focuses on supporting veterans and the wounded.
Earlier, Prince Harry told the Guardian: “We cannot stop the war, but we can do everything possible to assist in the recovery process.”
He also warned: “We must continue to remind ourselves of the human dimension of this war and of what people have to endure… because it is easy to become accustomed to events and lose sensitivity.”
Prince Harry last visited Ukraine in April 2026. That visit was also unexpected. He visited not only Kyiv but also Bucha, the site of numerous Russian war crimes in the early weeks of the invasion.
In April 2025, Prince Harry visited Lviv.
In the foreground: British Prince Harry (the Duke of Sussex) on April 24, 2026, visited the National Military Memorial Cemetery near Kyiv to honor the memory of Ukraine’s fallen defenders. Photo: Serhii Okunev
