The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA)
(Picture: PA Archive)The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have said they “stand with the people of Ukraine” after Russia invaded the country.
Moscow launched a military attack on its neighbour, killing 137 people in one day and seizing the Chernobyl nuclear power plant on Thursday.
Britain and the US have announced crippling sanctions on Russia, with Nato members meeting virtually on Friday to discuss the situation.
In a statement published on their Archewell website, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said they “stand with the people of Ukraine”.
The couple said: “Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and all of us at Archewell stand with the people of Ukraine against this breach of international and humanitarian law and encourage the global community and its leaders to do the same.”
Kyiv was hit with air strikes on Friday morning as Russian forces move closer to the capital.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has demanded tougher sanctions and support from western allies.
Mr Zelensky also called for allies to provide “effective counteraction” against Moscow’s advances after holding talks with Boris Johnson on Friday morning.
Downing Street said the Prime Minister pledged further support “in the coming days” after the president updated him on the “terrible developments” in the Ukrainian capital.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said more than 450 Russian troops had been killed, as a fierce resistance meant Moscow “failed” on the main objective on the first day of fighting.
Mr Johnson and Mr Zelensky spoke after Kyiv was hit by “horrific rocket strikes” and fighting reached the outskirts of the capital overnight.
After the call, the president said Ukraine “needs the support of partners more than ever”.
“We demand effective counteraction to the Russian Federation. Sanctions must be further strengthened,” Mr Zelensky added.
