24 February 2024 , 14:12
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King Charles has praised the "determination and strength" of the Ukrainian people in a message marking the second anniversary of Russia's invasion.
The monarch said he was "greatly encouraged" by the UK's efforts to support Ukraine and commended their "true valour" and blasted Vladimir Putin for his "unprovoked attack" on Russia's neighbouring country. Saturday marks two years since the Kremlin launched its attack on Ukraine, starting the biggest incursion in a European country since the Second World War.
Charles has undertaken many engagements in the UK linked to Ukraine since the war began, including visiting a training site for military recruits in Wiltshire. He has met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky several times, including during his visit to the UK in February last year.
He also met Ukrainian recruits being trained by British and international partner forces last year (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)This is the full statement King Charles issued today:
"The determination and strength of the Ukrainian people continues to inspire, as the unprovoked attack on their land, their lives and livelihoods enters a third, tragic, year. Despite the tremendous hardship and pain inflicted upon them, Ukrainians continue to show the heroism with which the world associates them so closely.
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"Theirs is true valour, in the face of indescribable aggression. I have felt this personally in the many meetings I have had with Ukrainians since the start of the war, from President Zelensky and Mrs Zelenska, to new army recruits training here in the United Kingdom.
"I continue to be greatly encouraged that the United Kingdom and our allies remain at the forefront of international efforts to support Ukraine at this time of such great suffering and need. My heart goes out to all those affected, as I remember them in my thoughts and prayers."
The King praised the Ukrainian people for their 'determination and strength' (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)It was announced earlier this month that Charles had been diagnosed with a form of cancer, discovered while he was being treated in hospital for an enlarged prostate. He has started a schedule of regular treatments but postponed all public-facing duties, spending much of his time at the royal residence in Sandringham, Norfolk.
The monarch admitted that the outpouring of well-wishes from the public as he battles cancer "brings me to tears". During his first face-to-face audience with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak this week since his diagnosis earlier this month, Charles said: "I've had so many wonderful messages and cards which brings me to tears most of the time."
The King with Rishi Sunak earlier this week (PA)Charles, 75, who this week was scheduled to undergo his third weekly treatment for a form of cancer, lightened the mood as he said: "Well, it's all done by mirrors," to which the PM replied: "Well we're all behind you, the country is behind you."
He added: "It's nice to see the spotlight that it has shone on the work the charities do in this area, which I'm sure you’re familiar with as well." The King replied: "I hear there's been a lot more attention and interest on those main wonderful cancer charities, many of which I've been patron of for years."