Brave Sophie’s the first royal to visit war-torn Ukraine
The Duchess of edinburgh yesterday became the first British royal to visit Ukraine since the Russian invasion.
Sophie met Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife – and passed on a personal message from King Charles – as she showed her solidarity with survivors of conflictrelated sexual violence during an emotional trip.
The duchess listened as survivors of sexual violence, both male and female, bravely shared their stories, and spoke to female IDPs – internally displaced persons – and volunteers who help their communities cope with the trauma of the invasion.
The mother of two travelled in her role as champion of the UK’s Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative and the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
She also met children who have been returned to Ukraine after being deported by Russia as part of a campaign to erase Ukrainian culture.
Sophie paid her respects to those who lost their lives in the Bucha massacre, two years on from the city’s liberation from Russian forces, and visited the ‘Road to Life’, a bridge which became a key part of the Ukrainian resistance when it was blown up to stop Russian troops proceeding to Kyiv – and later became a vital route for people to flee to safety.
Meeting President Zelensky and First Lady Zelenska, Sophie discussed how best to support survivors of sexual violence and the women peacebuilders who have a vital part to play in ensuring Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction is effective and long lasting.
Speaking at a conference last month, her Royal highness said: ‘Survivors here and around the world have spoken out so bravely about their experiences.
‘They are the most powerful advocates who remind us all that we must not turn our backs on the horrors of this crime, we must never forget survivors.
‘Rather, we must stand shoulder to shoulder with all survivors to secure justice and holistic redress, and ensure that this crime isn’t an accepted part of conflict.’
Since 2022, the UK has pledged over £4.7billion in nonmilitary support to Ukraine. This includes over £660million of aid that prioritises the needs of women and girls, for example by funding services for survivors of gender-based violence.
The UK is also working with international partners to hold those responsible for atrocities to account.