Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky tells Glastonbury 'we will not let Russia's war break us'

The president of Ukraine has addressed the crowd at Glastonbury, calling for the world to "spread the truth" about Russia's invasion of his country.

Volodymyr Zelensky spoke to people at the festival via a video message, which was played on the big screens at the Other Stage, ahead of The Libertines stage-opening set, on Friday.

He said: "Greetings Glastonbury. 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."

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He continued by saying his country "will not let Russia's war break us", adding "we want to stop the war before it ruins people's lives in other countries of Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America - they are all under threat now." He went on to say he was turning to Glastonbury for support, "the greatest concentration of freedom these days and I ask you to share this feeling with everyone who's freedom is under attack".

He urged festival-goers to "spread the truth about Russia's war, help Ukrainians who are forced to flee their homes because of the war, find our United24 charity platform and put pressure on all the politicians you know to help restore peace in Ukraine ".

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gave a video message at the Glastonbury Festival (Yui Mok/PA Wire)

"Time is priceless and every day is measured in human lives," he added. "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 ended his message with the words "Slava Ukraini", which means "glory to Ukraine". Mr Zelensky's address was met with loud cheers and applause at the festival.

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