President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, who is paying her first visit to Ukraine since the restoration of independence. Her Royal Highness had previously visited Kyiv in 1973 and 1990.
The meeting took place on the grounds of the National Conservation Area “St. Sophia of Kyiv.”
The Head of State thanked Her Royal Highness for her special attention and support for Ukraine and its people. Nearly 250,000 Ukrainians who were forced to leave their homes due to Russian aggression now live in the United Kingdom, and the Royal Family continues to keep the issue of assistance to them in focus.
The President also expressed gratitude to The Princess Royal for visiting veterans and speaking with them, stressing how important it is that Her Royal Highness pays attention to this issue.
One of the key topics of the meeting was the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. The Head of State noted that the United Kingdom is actively involved in the work of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children. Ukraine counts on continued support for all its initiatives.
Princess Anne shared her impressions of meeting with children who had been brought home. The President emphasized that every child matters and that everything must be done to ensure their reintegration. Volodymyr Zelenskyy invited Her Royal Highness to take part in the next summit of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children.
In addition, the meeting addressed the rehabilitation of Ukrainian warriors, including through animal-assisted therapy and other methods used to restore patients’ physical and mental health. The parties also exchanged views on implementing barrier-free practices for full social reintegration. The Princess Royal shared her impressions from visiting one of these rehabilitation centers in Bucha.