Kyiv, October 1(HS): Princess Anne made an unannounced visit to Ukraine on Tuesday to spotlight the plight of children traumatised by Russia’s ongoing war. The Princess Royal, accompanied by First Lady Olena Zelenska, laid a toy bear at a memorial in Kyiv dedicated to children killed in the conflict.

During her visit, Anne met young people reportedly taken from their homes by Russian forces, and toured the Child Rights Protection Centre, which reunites displaced children with their families. She also engaged with female police officers, servicewomen, and injured veterans dealing with conflict-related trauma.

The visit underscored Britain’s concerns over the forced deportation of Ukrainian children. Kyiv estimates that more than 19,500 have been taken to Russia or occupied territories since 2022, with only around 1,600 brought back so far. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants against Russian President Vladimir Putin and his children’s commissioner for alleged unlawful deportations, a charge Moscow denies.

Buckingham Palace said the visit aimed to highlight the “traumatic experiences of children living on the frontline of the conflict.”

Anne also discussed UK support with President Volodymyr Zelensky and visited sites symbolising Ukraine’s resilience, including St. Sophia’s Cathedral in Kyiv and the Kherson Cultural Exhibition.Her trip follows a September visit by Prince Harry to war-wounded veterans, making this the second royal visit to Ukraine in less than a month.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar