Prince William's visit to Poland sends powerful message to Putin that Russia's nightmare could get worse - analysis by Cameron Walker
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Prince William's visit comes the same week that President Putin has made a point of publicly strengthening relations with China in the form of a State Visit.
The image of the future king personally thanking troops, who are supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression could send a powerful message of defiance to the Kremlin and its allies.
Prince William’s visit comes the same week that President Putin has made a point of publicly strengthening relations with China in the form of a State Visit.
It is possible British officials are hoping the royal's 'power of soft diplomacy' will build and strengthen the UK’s relationship with Poland, when the Prince of Wales sits down for an official meeting with President Duda later today.
I am told Prince William wanted to make a point of physically visiting British and Polish troops to personally thank them for their work supporting Ukraine.
Prince William is focused on highlighting the plight of families who have had to flee their homeland to escape the war
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In doing so, the future king is shining a spotlight on the special relationship between two NATO countries - a global alliance which Putin sees as hostile, but others see as vital to guarantee global security.
But the Prince of Wales has no political power. He can’t start wars, and he can’t negotiate peace.
What he can do, however, is shine a spotlight on causes often neglected when the news agenda moves on.
The humanitarian crisis caused by the war has forced around eight million Ukrainians to flee their homeland, according to the United Nations Refugee Agency.
Prince William is focused on highlighting the plight of families who have had to flee their homeland to escape the fighting and wants to underline his "personal support and gratitude" for Polish communities.
Prince William last visited Poland in 2017
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History shows us that Poland has suffered an invasion by a foreign power before.
Perhaps Prince William's visit to Poland, and his message to troops, will send a clear signal to Russia about Britain and Poland’s "shared determination to defend our shared freedoms".