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Volodymyr Zelensky tells Glastonbury crowd to 'spread the truth' about Russia

Sam Moore
·2-min read
GLASTONBURY, ENGLAND - JUNE 24: Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky addresses the crowd via a video recording on the Other stage during day three of Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm, Pilton on June 24, 2022 in Glastonbury, England. during day three of Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm, Pilton on June 24, 2022 in Glastonbury, England. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky addresses the crowd at Glastonbury. (WireImage)

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has addressed the crowd at Glastonbury and called on those in attendance to 'spread the truth' about Russia.

Appearing via video link, Zelensky appeared ahead of The Libertines' performance to open the Other Stage.

Zelensky said to the thousands in attendance: “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."

Read more: Glastonbury 2022: Full lineup and set times from Paul McCartney to Billie Eilish

He added: “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.”

GLASTONBURY, ENGLAND - JUNE 24: A message from the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy opens the Other Stage during day three of Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm, Pilton on June 24, 2022 in Glastonbury, England. (Photo by Joseph Okpako/WireImage)
A message from the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy opens the Other Stage. (WireImage)

Zelensky also called on those listening to “Spread the truth about Russia’s war, help Ukrainians who are forced to flee their homes because of the war."

The former actor and comic concluded by saying: “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!”

Read more: Glastonbury TV guide: Full BBC schedule and how to watch the festival live

His speech was greeted with cheers and applause by those watching. He is not the first political figure to make a significant speech at the festival after former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn spoke on the Pyramid Stage in 2017.

KYIV, UKRAINE - JUNE 16: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Frances President Emmanuel Macron shake hands after a press conference on June 16, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine. The leaders made their first visits to Ukraine since the country was invaded by Russia on February 24th. (Photo by Alexey Furman/Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Frances President Emmanuel Macron shake hands on June 16, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine. (Alexey Furman/Getty Images)

Ukraine's Eurovision winners Kalush Orchestra will also be performing at the festival. They are scheduled to perform later today on the Truth Stage.

Glastonbury kicks off proper today with coverage across the BBC including of the headline performances from Paul McCartney, Billie Eilish and Kendrick Lamar.

Also scheduled to perform at the festival are acts including Sam Fender, Lorde, Diana Ross, Haim, Sugababes, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Idles and Kacey Musgraves.

Watch below: Volodymyr Zelensky addresses Glastonbury.