The conflict in Ukraine began one year ago today, on February 24, when Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an invasion of the nation. To mark the occasion, King Charles released a moving statement. Putin's conduct was described as a "full-scale attack" by the British monarch, who wrote: "It has now been a year that the people of Ukraine have suffered unimaginably from an unprovoked full-scale attack on their nation."
"They have shown truly remarkable courage and resilience in the face of such human tragedy," he stated in an issued statement.
"The world has watched in horror at all the unnecessary suffering inflicted upon Ukrainians, many of whom I have had the great pleasure of meeting here in the U.K. and, indeed, across the world, from Romania to Canada," he further added.
The King mentioned a number of events he and his wife Queen Camilla had attended during the previous year, during which they had met both war refugees and Ukrainians who had long since established themselves in Britain.
Only a few weeks after the Russian invasion began, the Queen Consort, who was then the Duchess of Cornwall, was seen obviously fighting back tears as she met Inna Prystaiko, the wife of the Ukrainian ambassador to the UK.
A few days earlier, in a speech honouring Southen-on-new Sea's status as a city, the then Prince of Wales sharply denounced Putin's actions, calling the conflict a "brutal aggression," the Express reported.
In his latest statement, the King recounted his most recent meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine. "Earlier this month I met President Zelenskyy at Buckingham Palace to express my personal support for the people of Ukraine. It is heartening that the United Kingdom, along with its allies, is doing everything possible to help at this most difficult time," he wrote.
In conclusion, the King stated: "Therefore, I can only hope the outpouring of solidarity from across the globe may bring not only practical aid, but also strength from the knowledge that, together, we stand united."