KYIV — Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, made an unannounced visit to Kyiv on April 23, 2026, and addressed the Kyiv Security Forum to urge stronger international support for Ukraine. The younger son of Britain's King Charles used the appearance to contrast European backing for Ukraine with that of the United States.

Harry singled out Washington's historical commitments as he pressed for renewed engagement. "The United States has a singular role in this story not only because of its power but because when Ukraine gave up nuclear weapons, America was part of the assurance that Ukraine's sovereignty and borders would be respected," he said.

He called for swifter action from the U.S. government. "This is a moment for American leadership, a moment for America to show that it can honor its international treaty obligations, not out of charity but out of its own enduring role in global security and strategic stability," he said.

Turning to European governments, the duke said, "Europe has stood up in profound ways. And that support has mattered, and Ukraine knows it." He added, "The task now is to match endurance with speed."

Harry described the war as an ideological battle between liberal democracies and authoritarian foes. He also addressed the forcible deportation of tens of thousands of Ukrainian children to Russia.

Prince Harry said, "Under international law, this forcible transfer of children from one national group to another is not just a war crime. It can constitute an act of genocide. When carried out with intent to destroy a people's identity."

The trip is scheduled to last two days and include further engagements around the security conference. Harry is expected to visit the de-mining HALO Trust charity, which was supported by his late mother Princess Diana, and to spend time with Ukrainian participants of his Invictus Games Foundation, which helps wounded veterans recover through sport. The duke visited Ukraine twice in 2025.