Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Prince William and Kate Middleton ‘stand with people of Ukraine’ amid Russian invasion

‘Today we stand with the president and all of Ukraine’s people as they bravely fight for that future,’ royal couple says

Zoe Tidman
Saturday 26 February 2022 14:37 GMT
Comments
Prince William and Kate Middleton say they ‘stand with’ Ukraine’s people in a statement on the invasion
Prince William and Kate Middleton say they ‘stand with’ Ukraine’s people in a statement on the invasion (AFP/Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Prince William and Kate Middleton have said they “stand with Ukraine’s people” following the Russian invasion.

The couple made a rare public statement on political issues on the third day of the attack.

Fighting has taken place across the country since Russia launched an all-out invasion in the early hours of Thursday- including in the capital Kyiv.

Authorities said on Saturday a total of 198 Ukranians - including three children - had been killed to date.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge sent a message showing solidarity with Ukranians from their official social media account on Saturday.

A man walks past a building damaged following a rocket attack, in Kyiv, Ukraine
A man walks past a building damaged following a rocket attack, in Kyiv, Ukraine (AP)

“In October 2020 we had the privilege to meet President Zelenskyy and the First Lady to learn of their hope and optimism for Ukraine’s future,” the royal couple said.

“Today we stand with the President and all of Ukraine’s people as they bravely fight for that future.”

They signed off with an emoji of the Ukranian flag and “W & C”.

It followed a statement from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle - who have quit royal duties - condemning the invasion which said the couple “stand with the people of Ukraine”.

Posting on their non-profit Archewell’s website, their spokesperson said the attack was “a breach of international and humanitarian law “ and the couple urged global leaders to stand with the country under siege.

A man stands on the road near a high-rise apartment block which was hit by shelling in Kyiv
A man stands on the road near a high-rise apartment block which was hit by shelling in Kyiv (EPA)

Russia launched its attack on neighbouring Ukraine by land, air and sea following weeks of intense speculation.

On Saturday, Russian forces pounded cities with artillery and cruise missiles for a third day running. While heavy street fighting took place and residents were told to take shelter in Kyiv, the Ukranian president said the capital had not fallen.

Refugee continued to pour across the western border, with around 100,000 reaching Poland in two days.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in