Prince Harry, Meghan Markle ‘stand with the people of Ukraine’ amid invasion

Prince Harry, Meghan Markle ‘stand with the people of Ukraine’ amid invasion

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle voiced their support for Ukraine after Russia launched a large-scale invasion of its neighboring country.

“Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and all of us at Archewell stand with the people of Ukraine against this breach of international and humanitarian law and encourage the global community and its leaders to do the same,” read a statement posted on the website for the couple’s nonprofit organization Thursday evening.

California-based Harry, 37, and Markle, 40, are the only members of the British royal family who have spoken out against the war so far.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced early Thursday morning the beginning of a “special military operation” in Ukraine, escalating a conflict that dates back to 2014. Within minutes of Putin’s video declaration, missiles struck the capital of Kyiv.

As Russian ground forces began to enter the country, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky enacted martial law and severed diplomatic ties.

Ukrainian people leaving the country.Ukrainians are fleeing their country after Russia invaded.AFP via Getty Images

US President Biden, meanwhile, announced “strong sanctions” on Russia while speaking Thursday afternoon at the White House.

“Putin is the aggressor. Putin chose this war. And now he and his country will bear the consequences,” Biden said in part, adding that his sanctions would “impose severe costs on the Russian economy, both immediately and over time.”

Zelensky, who has vowed to stay in his capital, reported that at least 137 “heroes,” including 10 military officers, have been killed, with more than 300 others injured.

Ukrainian officials claimed hundreds of Russian forces have also died, but Putin’s side has not released casualty figures.