Prince Harry told Ukrainian veterans and medics "you're going to win the war" during a surprise visit to Ukraine, his fourth since the start of the conflict with Russia. The Duke of Sussex arrived in the western city of Lviv and took the stage at a conference for medics, organised by Superhumans, a clinic in the city that specialises in rehabilitation of those injured in the war.
The 42-year-old acknowledged he had "taken a risk to come here", adding: "Every single time I come back to Ukraine, I feel welcome, I feel warmth. You're going to win the war and then you're going to be set up for success."
Visit to Wheelchair Rugby Event
Harry was dressed casually in a dark, hooded puffer jacket, dark blue trousers and brown desert boots as he attended a series of events. In a school sports hall, he watched wheelchair rugby players as they vied for a place in Ukraine's team at next year's Invictus Games, which is scheduled to take place in Birmingham next year.
Ukraine is planning to send 60 competitors – its largest ever team – to the 2027 edition of the event. The country has about 1.4 million combat veterans, more than 10% of whom have disabilities.
Support for Invictus Movement
Later on Saturday, Harry told wounded veterans joining the Invictus movement: "When the war is over and when Ukraine wins, we will be ready to support you in holding an Invictus Games."
At the rugby game, he hugged a player he recognised – Valery Odainyk, a former contestant at the Invictus Games in Canada in 2025, who has an amputated leg. The 41-year-old with a large tattoo on one arm and deep smile lines, explained to the duke that he is "still an active serviceman". "So when do you find time to train?" Harry asked in surprise. Mr Odainyk said afterwards he told Harry that his involvement in such sport "all started and continues with the Invictus Games".
