Kyiv, Ukraine – The Duchess of Edinburgh arrived in Ukraine on Monday, becoming the highest-ranking British Royal to visit the war-torn nation since Russia’s invasion began two years ago.
Her visit carries immense symbolic weight, signifying unwavering solidarity with Ukrainian civilians – men, women, and children – who have borne the brunt of the conflict.
The Duchess prioritized meeting survivors of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) and torture, listening to their harrowing experiences and amplifying their voices on the world stage. She also met with internally displaced women and volunteers who are the backbone of community support systems, helping Ukrainians navigate the trauma inflicted by the war.
The visit coincides with the Duchess’s long-standing advocacy for CRSV survivors. She is a champion of the UK’s Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative and a vocal supporter of the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
🇺🇦 Today The Duchess of Edinburgh became the first member of the Royal Family to visit Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion.
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 29, 2024
Her Royal Highness met @ZelenskyyUa and @ZelenskaUA as well as women, men and children impacted by the war. pic.twitter.com/BMazVldh3l
During her stay, the Duchess met with President Zelensky and First Lady Zelenska, focusing on bolstering support for CRSV survivors and highlighting the crucial role women peacebuilders will play in Ukraine’s reconstruction. She also addressed a recent CRSV conference, emphasizing the need for unwavering support for survivors, ensuring justice and redress, and firmly rejecting the normalization of CRSV.
The Duchess took time to acknowledge the extraordinary resilience of Ukrainian women, who have been instrumental in both the conflict response and community recovery. She met with female volunteers providing critical mental health support for children deeply affected by the war.
The UK has emerged as a staunch supporter of Ukraine, pledging over £4.7 billion in non-military aid since 2022. This assistance prioritizes the needs of women and girls, providing funding for vital services supporting survivors of Gender-Based Violence and collaborating with legal bodies to ensure a survivor-centered approach to prosecuting CRSV crimes.
