Olena Zelenska attends Camilla's event highlighting violence against women
Olena Zelenska meets Queen Consort Camilla for the first time (Photo:Ian Jones/Buckingham Palace/Handout via REUTERS)
Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska attended a reception at Buckingham Palace to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, British media reported on Nov. 29.
Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan, Her Majesty Queen Mathilde of the Belgians, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess of Denmark Mary, Prince Edward's spouse Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, and Sierra Leone's First Lady Fatima Maada Bio were also present.
The reception at Buckingham Palace was held to highlight violence against women. For over 10 years, Queen Consort Camilla has been working on raising awareness of violence against women and girls as her key campaigning issues at the Royal Family. She met survivors of abuse, protected their rights, and raised funds for charity.
"Today, a remarkable group of people gathered at Buckingham Palace with one aim – to see the end of violence against women and girls. I was deeply moved and inspired by their stories," Camilla tweeted about the event.
"With determination and courage, we will see the end of these heinous crimes forever," she added.
Since the beginning of the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the truth about the "heinous crimes" committed by Russian troops on the occupied areas, including sexual abduction of women and children, was revealed. The participation of Olena Zelenska in such events helps to boost awareness about Russian crimes in Ukraine at top level.
"I had an honor to personally meet Her Majesty and tell her what happened and is still happening on our soil, temporarily occupied by Russia, about terrible crimes committed by the occupiers against our women and children. I told the Queen Consort about millions of separated Ukrainian families, about children who can't be with their parents at home because they have to do military service, or work in hospitals, or join the volunteering movement. About 40,000 Ukrainian women fight with the Ukrainian army," Zelenska shared her experience at Buckingham Palace.
Zelenska also expressed gratitude to Queen Consort Camilla for taking care of refugees in the UK.
"I thanked her and assured that Ukraine is ready to join international efforts in preventing abuse at conflicts across the world. Unfortunately, we have such painful experience. We do everything possible to overcome it and never tolerate it," Zelenska said.
It's Zelenska's second visit to Buckingham Palace. She met the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, on the eve of the Queen’s funeral. Currently, she is on an official visit to the UK. She met with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murthy. She also addressed the UK Parliament and presented her foundation that raises funds for rebuilding Ukraine.
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