Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, addressed Russian President Vladimir Putin during his speech at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum on April 23, urging an end to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. His remarks came during an unannounced visit to Kyiv, as reported by a correspondent from Radio Free Europe.
In his speech, Prince Harry emphasized that the continuation of the war would not yield victory for either side and would only exacerbate human suffering. He stated, “President Putin, no nation will benefit from the ongoing loss of life we are witnessing. There is still a moment to stop this war, prevent further suffering for both Ukrainians and Russians, and choose a different path. Over the years of this war, with immense losses and limited gains, it has become increasingly clear that this path leads not to victory but to new losses. The cost continues to rise, and no outcome justifies such human sacrifices.”
Furthermore, he highlighted that the nature of Russia’s war against Ukraine is not a coincidence or misunderstanding but rather a result of a “long-standing, deliberate policy” enacted at the highest levels. He specifically referenced violations of the Budapest Memorandum, under which Ukraine relinquished its nuclear arsenal in exchange for security guarantees.
“It all begins with the violation of the Budapest Memorandum—an agreement under which Ukraine gave up the third-largest nuclear arsenal in the world in exchange for binding guarantees of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. These guarantees have not only been violated; they have been dismissed. When obligations of such magnitude are breached, the damage extends beyond Ukraine’s borders. It undermines trust in any international guarantee, in every non-proliferation effort, and in every promise made between nations,”
he stated.
Prince Harry also underscored the significant role of the United States in this conflict, reminding attendees that Washington was among the guarantors of Ukraine’s security when it relinquished its nuclear weapons. He said, “This is a moment for American leadership. A moment for America to demonstrate its capacity to fulfill its international treaty obligations. Not out of charity, but based on its longstanding role in ensuring global security and strategic stability.”
This marks Prince Harry’s third visit to Ukraine. His first trip was to Lviv in April 2025, followed by a visit to Kyiv in September of the same year. He traveled at the invitation of the Ukrainian government to assist in the rehabilitation of severely injured military personnel.
Since 2014, Prince Harry has been instrumental in organizing the Invictus Games—an international competition for wounded servicemen and women. The Invictus Games Foundation, which oversees the event, supports the rehabilitation of military personnel in Ukraine by providing sports equipment.
During his speech at the Kyiv Security Forum, Prince Harry urged an end to the war in Ukraine, emphasizing the human cost and the need for international cooperation. He highlighted the violations of the Budapest Memorandum and called for U.S. leadership in restoring security guarantees.
Source: Radio Free Europe