President Zelenskyy Sends Surprise Message To Glastonbury Crowd

A message from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was played to crowds at Glastonbury festival, calling it the 'greatest concentration of freedom'. Catch it here:

Hundreds of thousands of music lovers descended on Somerset this week for five days of music and dancing.

However, Zelenskyy used the opportunity to continue to raise awareness and highlight the devastation that is occurring in Ukraine.

In a video message screened before the opening set by The Libertines today, 24 June, Zelenskyy called on festival goers to 'spread the truth' about Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine.

He said: "The festival resumes this year after a two-year break, the pandemic has put on hold lives of the millions of people around the world, but has not broken.

"We in Ukraine would also like to live the life as we used to and enjoy freedom and this wonderful summer, but we cannot do that because the most terrible has happened – Russia has stolen our peace.

"That is why I turn to you for support Glastonbury the greatest concentration of freedom these days and I ask you to share this feeling with everyone whose freedom is under attack."

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Zelenskyy warned the war could end up 'ruin[ing] people's lives in other countries of Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America' and that he desperately wants it to stop before it reaches that point.

While he noted 'Russia's war' will not 'break' Ukraine, he called on festival goers for help.

"Spread the truth about Russia’s war, help Ukrainians who are forced to flee their homes because of the war.

"Time is priceless and every day is measured in human lives. The more people join us in defending freedom and truth, the sooner Russia’s war against Ukraine will end. Prove that freedom always wins!" he said.

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The Ukrainian president ended his address by stating, 'Glory to Ukraine' in Ukrainian: "Slava Ukraini".

His address was met with raucous applause and support by festival goers.

Pete Doherty, Libertines singer and guitarist, also led a chant of the Ukrainian President's name.

Carl Barat reflected on the video address after coming off stage. He said: "The Zelenskyy thing was quite surreal, I won't lie. It's a strange collision, but it made sense."

If you would like to donate to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal, which will help provide food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water to those in Ukraine, click here for more information