Sophie, 59, denounced the use of sexual violence to 'demean, degrade and destroy' women and girls as she met survivors of the Russian invasion on Monday.
The Duchess of Edinburgh has slammed soldiers who use rape as a weapon of war after visiting the site of a horrific massacre carried out by Vladimir Putin 's troops in Ukraine.
The Duchess, who visited in her role as champion of the UK's Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative and the Women, Peace and Security agenda, said 'women and girls pay the highest price' in war. Sophie paid her respects to the victims of the Russian invasion during a visit to the town of Bucha, which was the site of atrocities committed by Putin's troops
She also met with children who have now been safely returned to Ukraine, after being forcibly separated from their families and deported by Russia as part of a sustained campaign to erase Ukrainian culture. 'Their stories are sad. I hear many stories like this, sadly, from around the world. But I appreciate their time and their openness.'
During her visit Sophie also met with survivors of sexual violence, both male and female, who bravely shared their storiesThe Duchess was seen stroking a dog during her visit to the UNFPA office in Kyiv on Monday The Duchess added that she had met people who 'played a large role in Bucha and Irpin' to help their communities, and she will 'take those stories home in my heart'.
'They are the most powerful advocates who remind us all that we must not turn our backs on the horrors of this crime, we must never forget survivors. She has visited a number of countries over the years to highlight the impact of historical and ongoing conflict, including Kosovo, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Colombia.
Sophie also signed the guest book at Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv during her whirlwind visit to the city on Monday READ MORE The royals who stepped up in Charles' hour of need: How Queen Camilla, William, Anne, Edward and Sophie all shouldered responsibility for public duties when King and then the Princess of Wales were diagnosed with cancer Advertisement Speaking at a conference last month, Her Royal Highness said: 'Survivors here and around the world have spoken out so bravely about their experiences.
The Duchess looks at a historical model of Kyiv located in Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv during Monday's visit 'Her Royal Highness this morning met the President and First Lady of Ukraine and delivered a message to them on behalf of His Majesty The King.'
News Russia-Ukraine Conflict Edinburgh Volodymyr Zelensky Royals Vladimir Putin Bucha Duchess Of Edinburgh Kiev
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