Prince Harry made an unannounced visit to Ukraine this week, where he addressed a major security conference and urged an end to the ongoing war with Russia. The Duke of Sussex appeared at the Kyiv Security Forum on Thursday, delivering a keynote speech in which he appealed directly to Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt the conflict that began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
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Harry, the younger son of King Charles III, has visited Ukraine three times since the war began. He now lives in California with his wife, Meghan, after stepping back from official royal duties.
Appeal for an End to the War
Speaking to delegates at the conference in Kyiv, Harry called for an immediate stop to the fighting and warned of the continued human cost of the conflict.
“President Putin, no nation benefits from the continued loss of life we are witnessing,” he said during his address. “There is still a moment — now — to stop this war, to prevent further suffering for Ukrainians and Russians alike, and to choose a different course.”
The war has led to significant casualties and widespread destruction across Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion more than two years ago. Kyiv has relied heavily on support from Western allies to sustain its defence.
Harry’s remarks focused on the humanitarian toll of the war and the urgent need for political action to end the violence.
Call for Continued US Support
During the speech, the Duke also emphasised the importance of continued American backing for Ukraine as the conflict continues.
He described the situation as a test of international commitments and urged Washington to maintain its leadership role in supporting Kyiv.
“This is a moment for American leadership, a moment for America to show that it can honour its international treaty obligations,” he said. He added that such support should be seen not as charity but as part of the United States’ longstanding role in maintaining global security and stability.
The United States has been one of Ukraine’s most significant supporters since the start of the war, providing military aid, financial assistance and diplomatic backing.
Meetings with Veterans and Demining Charity
In addition to attending the forum, Harry is expected to meet participants involved in the Invictus Games, the international sporting event he founded for wounded and injured military personnel.
He is also scheduled to visit the HALO Trust, a humanitarian organisation that works to remove landmines and unexploded ordnance left behind in conflict zones around the world.
Large areas of Ukraine have been contaminated with mines and unexploded explosives during the war, creating ongoing risks for civilians and hampering reconstruction efforts.
Harry has long been involved in initiatives supporting military veterans and humanitarian causes, and his visit is seen as part of those broader efforts.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 24 April 2026
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