President Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for their support for Ukraine as it comes under siege from Russian forces.
Prince William and Kate Middleton took to Twitter to recall the ‘privilege’ of meeting the country’s leader and the First Lady to ‘learn of their hope and optimism for Ukraine’s future’.
‘Today we stand with the President and all of Ukraine’s people as they bravely fight for that future’, they posted in a rare political statement.
The couple signed off with their initials in an indication they had personally phrased the message.
For the latest updates on the Russia-Ukraine war, visit our live blog: Russia-Ukraine live
In response, President Zelensky tweeted on Tuesday: ‘Olena and I 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.’
The president added ‘good will triumph’ as Ukrainian families are left devastated by apparent indiscriminate bombings.
Boris Johnson said earlier today it is clear Vladimir Putin is ‘prepared to kill children and use other barbaric, indiscriminate tactics’ to get what he wants.
Sixteen children were reported dead in the onslaught yesterday, while Putin has been accused of using brutal vacuum and cluster bombs.
Mr Zelensky has emerged as a heroic war leader and has been widely praised for rallying his country in its time of need.
The US has offered him the chance to escape war-torn Kyiv, but he is said to have told US President Joe Biden: ‘I need ammunition, not a ride’.
He received a standing ovation this morning as he gave an impassioned speech begging the European Union to ‘prove that you are with us’.
Addressing EU leaders, he said ‘nobody will break us – we’re strong, we’re Ukrainians. We have a desire to see our children alive. I think it’s a fair one.’
It comes after Ukraine applied to join the European Union on Monday in what was hailed a ‘historic moment’.
At the moment, it’s unclear if member countries will agree or if fast-track admission is an option.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the bloc wants Ukraine to join, saying: ‘They are one of us and we want them in.’
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.