The Queen sent a message of support to President Zelenskyy of Ukraine on the country’s independence day, joining other world leaders in praising the country’s resilience in the face of invasion and war.
The Queen’s message was shared by the British Embassy in Ukraine on social media and read: “It gives me great pleasure to send Your Excellency and the people of Ukraine my warmest greetings on the celebration of your Independence Day.
“In this most challenging year, I hope that today will be a time for the Ukrainian people, both in Ukraine and around the world, to celebrate their culture, history and identity.
“May we look to better times in the future. Elizabeth R”
The Clarence House Twitter account also retweeted The Queen’s message, while King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden shared his own message to President Zelenskyy, writing that he wished to “express my respect for the tremendous resolve and courage of the people of Ukraine during these extremely difficult times.”
The British Ambassador to Ukraine, Melinda Simmons, shared on her Twitter account the she had received a gift from Ukraine for The Queen in the form of a blue hat with blue and yellow flowers designed by Ruslan Baginskiy.
Simmons wrote, “I was presented with this beautiful hat designed by Ruslan Baginskiy for The Queen, to mark Ukrainian Independence Day and the relationship between the UK and Ukraine,” alongside emojis of the UK and Ukraine flags.
The British Royal Family has been vocal in its support of Ukraine since the Russian invasion began earlier this year, sending messages to President Zelenskyy, speaking out against the invasion, and using subtle elements such as floral displays or pieces of jewellery worn during previous visits with Ukrainian officials to send statements.
President Zelenskyy tweeted in March that he and his wife, First Lady Olena Zelenksa, “are grateful to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge @RoyalFamily that at this crucial time, when Ukraine is courageously opposing Russia’s invasion, they stand by our country and support our brave citizens.
“Good will triumph.”
