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Ukraine’s Zelensky urges Glastonbury to help end war with Russia

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday put in an appearance at the Glastonbury music festival, urging revellers to band together to try to stop the conflict with Russia.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses festivalgoers via a video link during the Glastonbury festival near the village of Pilton in Somerset, southwest England, on June 24, 2022. – More than 200,000 music fans and megastars Paul McCartney, Billie Eilish and Kendrick Lamar descend on the English countryside this week as Glastonbury Festival returns after a three-year hiatus. The coronavirus pandemic forced organisers to cancel the last two years’ events, and those going this year face an arduous journey battling three days of major rail strikes across the country. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP)

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday put in an appearance at the Glastonbury music festival, urging revellers to band together to try to stop the conflict with Russia.

Zelensky made his appeal in English in a recorded video message to tens of thousands of festival-goers in southwest England before the start of a set by The Libertines.

Wearing his now-trademark military green t-shirt, he told the festival at Worthy Farm that “Russia has stolen our peace”.

“The pandemic has put on hold the lives of millions of people around the world,” he said.

“We in Ukraine would also like to live life as we used to and enjoy the freedom and this wonderful summer.

“But we cannot do that because the most terrible (thing) has happened.”

He urged the crowds, returning to the festival for the first time since 2019, to “spread the truth about Russia’s war” and help Ukrainian refugees.

“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,” he added.

Zelensky has made a series of appearances around the world via video-link from Ukraine, including an address to the UK parliament, European Parliament, and US Congress.

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