King Charles has released a message on the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, commending the “determination and strength of the Ukrainian people” as the conflict enters a third year.

Buckingham Palace shared the message on Saturday afternoon, in which the King wrote: “Despite the tremendous hardship and pain inflicted upon them, Ukrainians continue to show the heroism with which the world associates them so closely. Theirs is true valour, in the face of indescribable aggression. I have felt this personally in the many meetings I have had with Ukrainians since the start of the war, from President Zelenskyy and Mrs Zelenska, to new army recruits training here in the United Kingdom.”

Royals across Europe marked the second anniversary of the Russian invasion this weekend. Including King Charles’s message, King Frederik of Denmark attended a peace service at Holmens Church; and the Swedish royals attend a prayer service at the Palace Church in Stockholm.

Since the invasion began, the royals have conducted engagements in support of Ukraine, meeting with President Zelenskyy and First Lady Zelenska when they can, and meeting with members of the Ukrainian community within their own countries.

King Charles’s message ends: “I continue to be greatly encouraged that the United Kingdom and our allies remain at the forefront of international efforts to support Ukraine at this time of such great suffering and need. My heart goes out to all those affected, as I remember them in my thoughts and prayers.”