Britain's Queen Elizabeth II said in an address to mark Ukrainian Independence Day that she hoped the world could look forward to better times.
Kyiv's British embassy shared her message as the country celebrated the anniversary in the middle of Russia’s war against the nation.
The day marks 31 years since the collapse of the Soviet Union and Ukraine breaking away from Moscow’s rule.
“On their 31st anniversary of Independence, Her Majesty the Queen congratulates Ukrainians," the UK in Ukraine Twitter account said.
The queen said in her address to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: "It gives me great pleasure to send Your Excellency and the people of Ukraine my warmest greetings on the celebration of your Independence Day.
"In this most challenging year, I hope that today will be a time for the Ukrainian people, both in Ukraine and around the world, to celebrate their culture, history and identity.
"May we look to better times in the future. Elizabeth R.”
The queen has shown her support for Ukrainian citizens by donating to a charitable appeal.
The Disasters Emergency Committee thanked her in March for making a “generous donation” towards its appeal, set up to help civilians affected by the conflict.
At the time, the palace declined to disclose the amount given.
Twelve portraits of Queen Elizabeth II - in pictures
Later that month, a photograph was taken during an audience at Windsor Castle with the queen and Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, which showed a large bouquet of blue and yellow flowers, the colours of the Ukrainian flag, behind them.
The gesture was seen as a symbol of the queen’s support for the people of Ukraine.
Recipe
Garlicky shrimp in olive oil
Gambas Al Ajillo
Preparation time: 5 to 10 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Serves 4
Ingredients
180ml extra virgin olive oil; 4 to 5 large cloves of garlic, minced or pureed (or 3 to 4 garlic scapes, roughly chopped); 1 or 2 small hot red chillies, dried (or ¼ teaspoon dried red chilli flakes); 400g raw prawns, deveined, heads removed and tails left intact; a generous splash of sweet chilli vinegar; sea salt flakes for seasoning; a small handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
Method
▶ Heat the oil in a terracotta dish or frying pan. Once the oil is sizzling hot, add the garlic and chilli, stirring continuously for about 10 seconds until golden and aromatic.
▶ Add a splash of sweet chilli vinegar and as it vigorously simmers, releasing perfumed aromas, add the prawns and cook, stirring a few times.
▶ Once the prawns turn pink, after 1 or 2 minutes of cooking, remove from the heat and season with sea salt flakes.
▶ Once the prawns are cool enough to eat, scatter with parsley and serve with small forks or toothpicks as the perfect sharing starter. Finish off with crusty bread to soak up all that flavour-infused olive oil.
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
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What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
