Queen makes ‘generous donation’ to Ukraine after highlighting how ‘precious’ Europe’s peace is

The Queen has made a 'generous donation' to Ukraine, after reflecting on the 'appalling suffering' of past wars in Europe. 

• The Queen has made a 'generous donation' to Ukraine in support of the country's resistance against Russian forces. 
• Her Majesty has previously spoken about the 'appalling suffering' of war, having lived through World War II as a teenager. 
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The Royal Family may have a history of neutrality on political matters—but when it comes to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, it looks like they've firmly taken a stance. 

The Queen has made a powerful statement of solidarity with the Eastern European country, sending a 'generous donation' to the Disasters Emergency Committee in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who personally met Ukraine President Zelensky and his wife, Olena Zelenska, in 2020, have also sent money to the charitable body's appeal. 

The heartwarming news comes shortly after Prince Charles condemned Russia's 'brutal' invasion of Ukraine during a royal engagement in Southend. Over 1 million Ukrainians have fled their homes since Russia's President Putin launched a full-scale attack on their country on 24 February, while countless more have been left stranded in the war-torn nation. 

Over 2,000 Ukrainian citizens have now been killed in the conflict, according to Ukraine’s State Emergency Service. Russia has claimed that 498 of its soldiers have died fighting—a number that falls far below Ukraine's estimate of 5,800.

While the Queen did not publicly disclose her donation, her contribution was confirmed by its grateful recipient. 

"Many thanks to Her Majesty The Queen for continuing to support the Disasters Emergency Committee and for making a generous donation to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal," the organization said on Twitter. 

The benevolent gesture has shed light on the 95-year-old monarch's previous statements on past world wars—one of which she lived through. 

Princess Elizabeth was just 13 when World War II began in September 1939 and spent much of the conflict sheltering at Windsor Castle, with her younger sister, Princess Margaret. The following October, the royal teenager delivered her first public address on BBC’s Children’s Hour, in the hope of reassuring children across the nation who had been forced to evacuate to the countryside. 

“Thousands of you in this country have had to leave your homes and be separated from your fathers and mothers. My sister Margaret Rose and I feel so much for you, as we know from experience what it means to be away from those you love most of all," she said. "To you living in new surroundings, we send a message of true sympathy and at the same time we would like to thank the kind people who have welcomed you to their homes in the country.”

Over six decades later, the Queen spoke about World War II again—but this time, in solemn reflection of the dark era. During a state visit to Berlin in 2004, the British sovereign called for reconciliation between the UK and Germany and urged against history repeating itself. 

"In remembering the appalling suffering of war on both sides, we recognize how precious is the peace we have built in Europe since 1945," she said. 

Meanwhile, Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska has issued a heartbreaking message for mothers of Russian soldiers. The 44-year-old is currently hiding at a secret location in her native country with her two children, where is delivering regular updates to the global community on how to help Ukraine.