Invictus Games Foundation’s Patron Visit to Ukraine Begins with Focus on Veteran Resilience
The Duke of Sussex has begun his visit to Ukraine with a powerful first day in Kyiv, placing a spotlight on the resilience and recovery of the country’s veteran community.
After arriving into Ukraine’s capital, he joined a working breakfast with Nataliia Kalmykova, Minister for Veterans Affairs of Ukraine; Ruslan Prykhodko, Deputy Minister for Veterans Affairs; Alina Frolova, Founder of Stratcom Ukraine and Invictus Games Team Ukraine; and Richard Smith CBE, Deputy CEO Invictus Games Foundation. The morning meeting set the tone for the visit ahead of joining the Kyiv Security Forum where he underscored the global importance of supporting veterans not only in their recovery, but as central figures in national resilience and long-term security.
Drawing on his experience with the Invictus Games Foundation, the Duke highlighted how Ukraine’s approach to rehabilitation and reintegration could serve as a model for other nations facing conflict or post-conflict recovery, saying “I have seen this nation’s resilience firsthand—through members of the Invictus Community, Ukrainian servicemen and women who have faced unimaginable challenges and continue to lead with strength, dignity, and purpose.” He also marked a significant milestone for Ukraine’s involvement with the Invictus Games Foundation, adding: “This year marks ten years of Ukraine’s participation in the Invictus Games. A decade that has shown the world what recovery can look like. Not just physical recovery but the rebuilding of identity. Of confidence. Of hope.”
Later in the day, the Duke joined Ukrainian Invictus Games participants and veteran advocates, alongside IGF’s David Wiseman, to discuss the lived experiences behind recovery, emphasising the role of sport and community in rebuilding identity and purpose. The panel held at the Kyiv Security Forum entitled “Recovery, Reintegration, Resilience: Veterans at the Core of Ukraine’s Future”, explored how Ukraine can build systems that support both physical and psychological rehabilitation while enabling veterans to reintegrate into civilian life and contribute to society.
Chief Programmes and Strategy Officer for the Invictus Games Foundation, David Wiseman, brought an international perspective on scaling veteran support systems. Speaking from his dual experience as a wounded veteran and his work with the Foundation across the community of 25 nations, and particularly with Ukraine, he highlighted the urgent need for governments and societies to adapt their support structures as the number of veterans continues to grow.
Throughout the session, speakers reinforced the idea that veterans are not only beneficiaries of support systems but key actors in shaping Ukraine’s future resilience. The panel concluded with a call for stronger international cooperation to ensure effective recovery and reintegration frameworks at scale.
The Duke then went from the KSF Forum panel to join IGF’s Richard Smith CBE, along with the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Cava Dragone, and EU Military Committee, General Clancy, and Head of NATO Representation in Ukraine, Patrick Turner. Here they were briefed on the work of the Foundation in relation to supporting Ukraine with the Invictus Games as well as year-round support with equipment and access to sporting opportunities for recovery. Ahead of research being launched by Invictus Games Team Ukraine as part of the ten-year anniversary of their membership of the Invictus Community, this conversation outlined the credibility behind the systemic influence of the Invictus Games Foundation, and behind the impact of sports for recovery leading to developing ideas for joint working in the future.
The Duke’s first day in Ukraine set a clear tone for the visit: one centred on solidarity, shared experience, and the vital role of veterans post-recovery.