A Ukrainian paramedic, once a captive of Russian forces, has hailed Prince Harry as “amazing” following his visit to the war-ravaged nation. The Duke of Sussex has made two trips to Ukraine this year, including a recent visit at the invitation of the Kyiv government and a center dedicated to treating amputees injured in the ongoing conflict.
Yuliia “Taira” Paievska, who was taken prisoner by Russia during the 2022 siege of Mariupol, said Harry’s support for Ukraine is “invaluable.” The Duke pledged to do “everything possible” to assist the numerous severely wounded Ukrainian military personnel after traveling to Kyiv and Lviv with a delegation from his Invictus Games Foundation.
Taira praised the Duke as being “very supportive” of Ukraine after meeting him at the Superhumans Centre, a rehabilitation clinic in Lviv, western Ukraine, in April, reports Daily Express UK.
Speaking to Express, Taira said: “I feel him as a brother, like guys from the frontline, the same feeling.”
She further noted a “special” connection between Harry and the Ukrainian troops, adding: “He’s really amazing. He’s honest.”
She further mentioned that the Duke, a former British Army officer with two tours of Afghanistan under his belt, is “very supportive” of Ukraine and its wounded soldiers.
Harry’s recent visit to Ukraine followed several days spent in the UK, which included a reunion with his father, the King, marking their first in-person meeting in over a year.
In addition, he attended a fundraising lunch for the Superhumans Centre and met with veterans.
Taira, who endured three months of Russian captivity in 2022, shared her thoughts with the Express at the unveiling of a new exhibition by the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War.
The ‘Indomitable Ukraine’ exhibition will be open from September 24-29 in London.