KATE Middleton gave homemade baking to volunteers during a visit to a Ukrainian support centre with Prince William.
The duke and duchess brought trays of homemade chocolate brownies and granola bars with them from Kensington Palace to give to the volunteers.
They spoke with Saleh Saeed, chief executive of DEC, hearing about DEC’s humanitarian appeal, which has so far raised more than £120 million.
They also heard how there had been specific requests for medicines for hospitals in Ukraine, as they were shown the large amount of pharmaceutical goods amassed in the centre.
At least two million people have already fled their homes to escape the conflict, with four million expected to be displaced as the Russian invasion continues.
William and Kate expressed their solidarity with the people of Ukraine soon after Vladimir Putin launched his attack, saying in a tweet “we stand with the President and all of Ukraine’s people as they bravely fight for that future”.
The DEC, which is made up of 15 leading UK aid charities aiming to raise funds quickly and efficiently at times of crisis overseas, said “generous donations” have been made by the Queen, the Prince of Wales and William and Kate among others.
Kate was wearing a blue jumper – the same shade as the blue in the Ukrainian flag.
The royal couple learned about the extraordinary efforts being made to support the country’s people in the UK and across Europe as Russian President Vladimir Putin continues his attack on the nation.
They also learned how the UK public can best support the besieged country while sorting and packaging donated items.
In a tweet personally signed off with their initials, they wrote: “In October 2020 we had the privilege to meet President Zelenskyy and the First Lady to learn of their hope and optimism for Ukraine’s future.
“Today we stand with the President and all of Ukraine’s people as they bravely fight for that future.”
President Zelenskyy responded thanking them for their support.
“Olena and I are grateful to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge that at this crucial time, when Ukraine is courageously opposing Russia’s invasion, they stand by our country and support our brave citizens,” he said.
“Good will triumph.”
Tanks first rolled over Ukraine’s borders on February 24 after Putin ordered his long-feared invasion.
He declared that the neighbouring nation “belongs to Russia” as he followed through on promises to seize territory given up by the country in the fall of the Soviet Union.
Ukraine has been in resistance ever since, with thousands of petrified families making desperate dashes to the Polish border, many terrified they will never see their relatives again.
Heart wrenching photos show kids in tears as they are forced to leave their parents behind after fleeing their homes.
