The King has criticised Russia’s “indescribable aggression” and praised Ukrainians for their “true valour” on the second anniversary of the full-scale invasion.
Saturday marked two years since Vladimir Putin unleashed war on Ukraine, seeking to crush Ukrainian democracy under tank treads as his forces tried to capture Kyiv.
Follow latest: Expert predicts which areas Russia will target next
In a message released by Buckingham Palace, the King said: “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.
“Theirs is true valour, in the face of indescribable aggression.”
The King added that he continues to be “greatly encouraged” that the UK and its allies remain committed to supporting Ukraine.
As the war enters its third year, Russian forces hold around 18% of Ukraine’s land mass and are mounting new offensives in the east, buoyed by the capture of the ruined town of Avdiivka.
In Lviv in western Ukraine, women cried as a priest led prayers in a cemetery festooned with blue-and-yellow Ukrainian flags, each marking the death of a soldier.
“The boys are holding the front line. We can only imagine what effort and price is paid for every peaceful day we have,” said Evhenia Demchuk, a widow and mother-of-two.
“I want to believe it’s not all in vain. We have funerals every day,” she added. “We believe victory will be ours. It is all obtained at a very high price.”
In the capital, Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met world leaders, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Both foreign leaders signed security agreements with Ukraine, joining Britain, Germany, France and Denmark in concluding 10-year security deals with Kyiv that are intended to shore up Ukraine’s security until it can reach its aim of becoming a member of the NATO military alliance.
Speaking on X, Mr Zelenskyy paid tribute to his people.
“I admire each one of you. I believe in each one of you.”
Mr Zelenskyy vowed that Ukraine would prevail and that a just peace would be secured.
“I thank all of our soldiers, our people, and everyone around the world who stands with us and the truth. Glory to Ukraine!”
In the UK, commemorations in London began with an interfaith prayer service at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in Mayfair.
Read more:
Britons fought in Ukraine why they have returned to warzone
Ukrainian troops tell of crippling ammunition shortages
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Be the first to get Breaking News
Install the Sky News app for free
The leading Ukrainian Catholic bishop in the UK, Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski, said his compatriots are “resolved to win the war” and have experienced a “two-year unending nightmare”.
Elsewhere in the capital, large crowds gathered in Trafalgar Square to protest against President Putin’s aggression as protesters waved Ukrainian flags, chanting “Russia is a terrorist state”.
Related posts:
UK COVID-19 cases are rising – but is it time to panic?
South Africa says COP26 could ‘collapse’ over UK quarantine rules for red list countries
Why is there a HGV driver shortage and how bad could the problem get?
Government U-turn over water firms dumping raw sewage after fierce backlash
Schools see ‘very severe low attendance’ ahead of Christmas as Omicron variant spreads
Woman dies and two injured after bus crashes into pedestrians
Serial offender sentenced to minimum of 38 years for ‘brutal’ murder of law graduate
Two people arrested on suspicion of malicious communications over missing Nicola Bulley
Giant barge set to be used to house asylum seekers arrives in UK waters
Police hunt convicted child rapist who poses ‘real risk to children and women’
Four Met Police officers ‘involved in fight while off-duty’
Probe into ‘unexplained’ death after woman’s body recovered from river
