Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he intends to invite King Charles III to make an official visit to Ukraine later this year, despite ongoing security challenges stemming from the conflict with Russia.

Speaking to British media, Zelensky expressed his desire to welcome the British monarch to Kyiv, while acknowledging that any potential visit would depend on security conditions and assessments made in the coming months.

The Ukrainian leader highlighted the close relationship that has developed between Ukraine and the United Kingdom since the outbreak of the war, emphasizing not only cooperation with the British government but also his country's ties with the monarchy.

Zelensky indicated that King Charles has remained engaged with developments in Ukraine and has continued to demonstrate support for the country throughout the conflict. He did not provide details regarding the nature of that support.

Since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine war, only a limited number of serving members of the British Royal Family have visited Ukraine. Among them were Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, and Princess Anne, while Prince Harry has also travelled to the country on several occasions in recent years.

Relations between Zelensky and King Charles have become increasingly visible as the war has continued. The British monarch previously hosted the Ukrainian president at the Sandringham Estate, a meeting widely viewed as a gesture of continued British support for Ukraine.

The proposed invitation comes as Kyiv continues diplomatic efforts to strengthen international backing and maintain political support from its Western allies amid the ongoing conflict.

No official date for a potential royal visit has been announced.(ILKHA)