The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have issued a powerful message in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have issued a statement responding to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. They said that they stand with Ukraine against this breach of international and humanitarian law and they appear to be the first royals to make a statement.
Russia launched its attack on Ukraine in the early hours of Thursday. Russian President Vladimir Putin said: “Whoever tries to interfere with us, and even more so, to create threats for our country, for our people, should know that Russia’s response will be immediate and will lead you to such consequences that you have never experienced in your history.”
President Joe Biden responded: “President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering. Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction this attack will bring, and the United States and its Allies and partners will respond in a united and decisive way. The world will hold Russia accountable.”
Writing in a joint statement on their Arche well website, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wrote: “We stand with the people of Ukraine.”
According to one commentator, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s statement in support of the people of Ukraine show the lack of political heft of the couple.
The Sussex’s move to condemn Russian aggression last week by releasing a message saying they stood with Ukraine’s people against the “breach of international and humanitarian law” was criticized by some saying they should have remained “neutral”.
In comparison, Prince William and Kate Middleton’s similar post on Sunday attracted widespread praise, a sign that the two couples are “not the same”.
Daniela Elser, a commentator, wrote: “When William and Kate open their mouths, it is as a future king and queen and given their future positions, their comments hold genuine sway and heft.”
Elser said: “When Harry and Meghan do the same, it is as two people trying to make their mark in Hollywood who just also happen to be related to the Queen.”
She goes on to assert that the “slightly pitiful reality” is that the Sussexes political statement carries no more weight than that of singer Miley Cyrus who also condemned the invasion.
Miley Cyrus said: “I am standing in solidarity with everyone in Ukraine who is affected by this attack and with our global community who is calling for an immediate end to this violence.”
However, Elser commended the Sussexes for their speedy response to the crisis, while calling William and Kate “disappointingly slow off the mark” for waiting until Sunday to make their statement.
Prince Harry and Meghan’s statement came after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressed the nation on Thursday. In the statement, Johnson said he offers the support of the UK and condemned Putin’s actions.
In a video message, Johnson said: “I say to the Ukrainians in this moment of agony, we are praying for you and your families and we are on your side.” Undeterred by the reaction of some, Meghan and Harry have continued to voice their support for the people of Ukraine.
On February 26 last Saturday, the couple received the President’s Award for special achievement and distinguished public service at the NAACP Image Awards.
While accepting the coveted award, Prince Harry turned his attention to the suffering of Ukrainians. Prince Harry said: “Before I begin, we would like to acknowledge the people of Ukraine, who urgently need our continued support as a global community.”
During a speech on Monday, Putin recognized two Ukrainian separatist regions Luhansk and Donetsk as independent states, calling Ukraine “not just a neighboring country” but also “an inherent part of our history” with “blood and family ties.”