“The determination and strength of the Ukrainian people continue to inspire us as the unprovoked attack on their country enters its third year.” King Charles III – who did not hesitate to immediately speak of a “brutal attack” the day after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – is sending a strong message of support to Kiev today, on the anniversary of the conflict sparked by the Russian invasion.
“Despite the enormous pain inflicted on them, Ukrainians continue to demonstrate the heroism with which the world now associates them.” “They have authentic value in the face of indescribable aggression,” says the king, who speaks the words without ifs and buts of the decisive condemnation that were used just two years ago.
“Brutal attack.” The then only Prince of Wales, Charles, strongly condemned the invasion of Ukraine, an attack “on democracy and freedom”. Never before had a member of the royal family – after the Second World War – expressed themselves so strongly and with a clear political stance. But the Ukrainian emergency is actually the greatest threat to peace in Europe since World War II. Enough to justify a radical step. Without considering that the Prince of Wales has never hesitated to take a stand. And before him, William and Kate and Harry with Meghan had expressed their support for President Zelensky and the Ukrainian people.
Today the prince-turned-king mentions President Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska, whom he also welcomed to London a year ago and opened to them in February 2023 not only the doors of Buckingham Palace, but also those of the ceremonial Westminster Hall, in which Zelensky gave the speech, he presented the king with the helmet of a Ukrainian war hero and praised his skills as a helicopter pilot.
“We are all very concerned about you and your country,” said King Karl Zelensky. “The king was an air force pilot.” Zelenskyy commented on his meeting with the sovereign in London at Buckingham Palace with admiration for the military competence demonstrated by Charles. Added: “And in Ukraine these days every driver is a king.” Zelensky's London trip then took him to Westminster Hall – the remains of the ancient palace of the Palace of Westminster (during the time of the Norman and Plantagenet kings), which is now integrated into the parliament building. There Zelenskyy spoke to parliament and recalled Winston Churchill's historic war speech. He revealed that before the war he had sat in the statesman's chair during a visit to the Cabinet War Rooms in London.
The world paid its final farewell to Queen Elizabeth in Westminster Hall in September. And where in September 2022 the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelensky went to pay her respects to the Queen. He expressed his admiration for the sovereign: “In her life she has always believed in the same values that Ukraine is fighting for today.”
As for the king's piloting skills, the Ukrainian president is actually right: Carlo was qualified as both a pilot and in the navy. A military career he was always proud of, so much so that he chose to wear the military uniform at the coronation in May. And it was only in May 2023 that Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelensky arrived at Westminster Abbey in London for the king's coronation ceremony.
“My heart goes out to all those affected by this war – the King concludes his tribute to Ukrainian heroism today – and I keep them in my thoughts and prayers.”