President Zelensky urges Glastonbury crowd to ‘spread truth about Russia’s war’ as he opens for The Libertines in video message

The Ukrainian President was beamed onto the big screens at the Other Stage to tell the party crowd: “Russia has stolen our peace.”

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.

“But we will not let Russia’s war break us, 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. 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 who’s freedom is under attack.

“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.

“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 finished his message by saying “Slava Ukraini” which translates as “glory to Ukraine” in English which was met with loud and rolling cheers and applause across those gathered at the stage in Worthy Farm, Somerset.

The message was played ahead of The Libertines stage-opening set to thousands of fans with singers Pete Doherty and Carl Barat launching straight into Up The Bracket.

Doherty later led the audience in a chant of Zelensky’s name over the guitar line from The White Stripes’ Seven Nation Army.

It comes before Billie Eilish will make history when she takes to the Pyramid Stage on Friday night as Glastonbury Festival’s youngest ever solo headliner.