Prince Harry has made a surprise visit to Ukraine, meeting wounded veterans and medics in Lviv as competitors sought places on the country’s team for the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham.
The visit was Harry’s fourth to Ukraine since the conflict with Russia began in 2022. He attended the National Invictus Games and a conference for medics organised by Superhumans, a clinic specialising in rehabilitating people wounded in the war.
“Every single time I come back to Ukraine, I feel welcome, I feel warmth,” Harry said, adding that he had “taken a risk to come here”.
Ukraine has about 1.4 million combat veterans, with more than 10 per cent living with disabilities. During the visit, Harry told veterans: “You’re going to win the war.”
Ukraine prepares for 2027 Invictus Games
The prince watched wheelchair rugby players competing for selection to Ukraine’s team for next year’s Invictus Games. About 500 people have registered for the qualification process, with the country planning to send a 60-member squad to Birmingham — its largest team yet.
“You’re going to win the war and then you’re going to be set up for success,” Harry told competitors.
Harry founded the Invictus Games Foundation in 2014 and remains its patron. The organisation supports wounded, injured and recovering military personnel and veterans through adaptive sport, e-sports and recovery programmes.
Speaking to wounded veterans later in the day, he said: “When the war is over and when Ukraine wins, we will be ready to support you in holding an Invictus Games.”
At the rugby competition, Harry embraced Valery Odainyk, a leg amputee and active Ukrainian serviceman who competed at last year’s Invictus Games in Canada.
Odainyk told Harry that his involvement in disability sport “all started and continues with the Invictus Games”. The competition features adaptive sports including alpine skiing, archery, athletics, cycling, wheelchair basketball, rugby and tennis.
