The Princess Royal made a surprise visit to Ukraine on Tuesday to highlight the traumatic experiences of children living on the frontline of the conflict, Buckingham Palace has stated.
During her visit, Princess Anne left a toy bear at a memorial for children killed since Russia's full-scale invasion, expressing her condolences and concern for young people who have allegedly been taken from their homes by Russian forces.
She also engaged in discussions regarding the UK's support for Ukraine and its ongoing fight with President Volodymyr Zelensky.
This official trip, requested by the Foreign Office, follows her nephew Prince Harry's recent visit to war-wounded veterans in Kyiv.
Anne, who is the King's sister, paid her respects at the Children's Memorial alongside First Lady Olena Zelenska, who inaugurated the site in Kharkiv. Furthermore, she visited the Child Rights Protection Centre set up to assist young people affected by the war, where she spoke with children who were reunited with their families and with staff tirelessly working to support more young people.
Ukraine estimates that at least 19,500 children have been deported or forcibly displaced to Russia since February 2022, with only 1,605 having returned home so far, according to the government's Children of War database.
The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Children's Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova for the alleged unlawful deportation of children, a claim that Russia denies, stating it has ensured the children's safety.
Princess Anne's visit comes shortly after the UK announced new sanctions against those allegedly involved in the forced deportation and indoctrination of Ukrainian children.
Additionally, she met with female police and armed forces officers dedicated to protecting women and children, discussed issues with injured veterans, and toured various cultural sites in Kyiv, illustrating her commitment to understanding the impact of the conflict on the Ukrainian populace.
This marks the second royal visit to Ukraine within a month, following the Duke of Sussex's trip to Kyiv. The royal family has consistently supported Ukraine since the conflict began over three years ago, including past visits from the King and other family members, emphasizing solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
