The Duchess of Edinburgh in Ukraine

Published 30 April 2024

The Duchess of Edinburgh has become the first member of the Royal Family to visit Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion,with a one-day visit which focused on work in the field of conflict-related sexual violence.

Her Royal Highness met President Zelensky and First Lady Zelenska, as well as women, men and children impacted by the war during her time in the country.

At the United Nations’ Survivor Relief Center in Kyiv, The Duchess learnt more about the centres which operate in 12 cities across Ukraine, providing vital psychosocial and legal support to those in need, especially conflict-related sexual violence survivors. Her Royal Highness spoke to the President and First Lady about how best to ensure long-lasting support for survivors as well as how women peacebuilders are playing a vital part in Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction.

Her Royal Highness announced her commitment to champion the UK’s Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative (PSVI) and the UN’s Women, Peace and Security Agenda (WPS) on International Women’s Day in 2019. The Duchess has visited a number of countries over the years to highlight the impact of historical and ongoing conflict, including Kosovo, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Colombia, and has heard first-hand testimonies from survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.

Addressing the CRSV Conference last month, The Duchess of Edinburgh said:

We must stand shoulder to shoulder with all survivors to secure justice and holistic redress, and ensure that this crime isn't an accepted part of conflict. Their rights and their voices must be at the heart of all our efforts to consign conflict-related sexual violence to the history books.

The Duchess also paid her respects to those who lost their lives in Bucha, two years on from its liberation from Russian forces, visiting the 'Road to Life', a bridge which became a key part of the Ukrainian resistance when it was blown up to stop Russian troops proceeding to Kyiv, and later became a vital route for people to flee to safety from the Russian occupation.

Her Royal Highness met Ukrainian women who have played important roles in the conflict and community recovery, learning more about the work of volunteers who help their communities cope with the aftermath of the attacks with mental health care activities for children.