Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, made a surprise visit to Ukraine, meeting wounded military veterans and medics. He described the veterans as role models and told them that Ukraine would win the war. The trip is his fourth visit to the country since the start of the Russian invasion.
The focus was on meetings with soldiers who had been wounded in the war and with the medical personnel who treat them. Harry watched wheelchair rugby players train as they competed for a place on the Ukrainian team for the Invictus Games. The games, which he founded, are aimed at wounded and sick members of the armed forces. The athletes' stated goal is to be selected for next year's games.
Harry said he had taken a risk with the trip. That he visited Ukraine despite the ongoing danger drew particular attention in British media. The message to the veterans was clear: their service and experience make them role models for others, and he expressed confidence in the outcome of the war.
The visit was covered by several British media outlets, which broadly agreed in substance but differed in their details about the places visited. Odesa and Lviv are mentioned as possible stops. However, the sources do not confirm that both cities were visited on the same trip. No reliable details are available about other elements of the program, such as specific interlocutors or appointments.
The visit also reflects the role the Duke of Sussex has played since the start of the Russian invasion in supporting the Ukrainian armed forces and their wounded service members. That he has already traveled to the country four times underscores that his commitment is not a one-off appearance. How the Invictus Games develop for the Ukrainian team will become clear in the coming months.