Royal Visit Boosts Ukraine’s Hopes

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine met with Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, at the historic Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv on October 1, 2025. This meeting marked the first visit by Princess Anne to Ukraine since the country’s independence was restored. The Princess previously visited Kyiv in 1973 and 1990.

During the meeting, President Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to the Royal Family for their ongoing support amidst Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia. With nearly 250,000 Ukrainians displaced by Russian aggression now residing in the UK, the President highlighted the importance of continued assistance from the Royal Family. Princess Anne’s visit included interactions with veterans, underscoring her commitment to the issue.

A significant part of their discussion focused on the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. The United Kingdom’s active participation in the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children was noted, and President Zelenskyy invited Princess Anne to the upcoming coalition summit. The Princess shared her experiences of meeting with children who had been successfully returned to Ukraine.

The meeting also addressed the rehabilitation of Ukrainian soldiers, with discussions on animal-assisted therapy and other methods to aid their recovery. The Princess Royal visited a rehabilitation center in Bucha, sharing her insights on implementing barrier-free practices to ensure the social reintegration of warriors.