Prince William has sent a passionate message of support to Ukraine as he thanked British and Polish soldiers during a surprise Poland visit.
The Prince of Wales praised the cooperation between troops from both nations, who have been working together to support the people of Ukraine and their fight for freedom.
The future King made a surprise visit to a military base in southeastern Poland earlier today to learn about the "strong companionship" between British and Polish troops and to personally thank them for working together to support Ukraine.
Landing in Warsaw, Prince William said: "Our nations have strong ties. Through our cooperation in support of the people of Ukraine and their freedom, which are also our freedoms and yours, these ties are further strengthened.
Prince William has sent a passionate message of support to Ukraine as he thanked British and Polish soldiers during a surprise Poland visit.
Lizzie Robinson / ITV
"I’m here because I want to personally thank the Polish and British troops working in close and crucial partnership. I also want to pay tribute to the inspiring humanity of the Polish people. You have opened your hearts as much as your homes."
Prince William visited British Armed Forces in the Polish city of Rzeszow to hear about the work they have been doing with their Polish comrades and "recognise their duty".
His Royal Highness said he was "struck by their passion as well as their shared determination to defend our shared freedoms".
British soldiers involved are predominantly made up of Royal Artillery, but they are supported by troops from different regiments across the United Kingdom.
Ukraine has been defending its territory from Russia's invasion since February 2022.
The death toll has reached more than 42,000 people, so far, and another 7.8 million have fled the country to other parts of Europe, according to the Reuters news agency.
This evening, Prince William is expected to visit an accommodation centre in the Polish capital, Warsaw, described as "the frontline of the humanitarian crisis".
The former office building now houses 300 Ukrainian women and children who have recently fled their homeland to find safety in Poland.
The centre offers two meals per day, Polish language lessons, employment support, a children's play area, psychological support and kickboxing classes - delivered by a Ukrainian coach who is also a refugee.
His Royal Highness is expected to meet people who have been forced to flee, as well as volunteers who offer them support and sort through the "vast amount" of donations.
Prince William described the support Polish communities are providing to Ukrainians fleeing war as "vital".
The United Nations Refugee Agency says Poland has taken in the most Ukrainian refugees out of any other country in Europe.
Prince William was determined to visit the front line of the humanitarian crisis and highlight the continuing plight of refugees.
Lizzie Robinson / ITV
It is understood Prince William was determined to visit the front line of the humanitarian crisis and highlight the continuing plight of refugees.
The heir to the throne's visit comes as Chinese President Xi Jinping leaves Moscow, following a three-day state visit to Russia, at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
On Friday, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for President Putin, accusing him of bearing personal responsibility for the abduction of children from Ukraine.
On Thursday, The Prince of Wales is expected to continue highlighting the humanitarian crisis caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
An official meeting between Prince William and the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda, is also expected to take place to "reiterate the profound relationship shared" by the United Kingdom and Poland, and underline The Prince's "continued support and gratitude to the Polish people".
The Prince of Wales last visited Poland with The Princess of Wales in 2017.
