FILE PHOTO: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky makes a statement following talks with European Commission President in Kyiv on June 11, 2022. – On Friday, June 24, 2022, Zelensky put in an appearance at the Glastonbury music festival, urging revelers to band together to try to stop the conflict with Russia. (Photo by Sergei SUPINSKY / AFP)
Glastonbury, United Kingdom — Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday put in an appearance at the Glastonbury music festival, urging revelers 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 freedom and this wonderful summer.
“But we cannot do that because the most terrible (thing) has happened.”
READ: Russia’s Putin launches invasion of Ukraine
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.
RELATED STORIES
Four months into war, more Ukrainians decide to flee besieged areas
Russia war crimes allegations mount as Ukraine refugees top 6 million