The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Zelensky in Glastonbury peace appeal
Volodymyr Zelensky has described Glastonbury as the “greatest concentration of freedom” as he addressed the festival calling for the world to “spread the truth” about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Ukrainian president spoke via a video message played ahead of The Libertines’ stage-opening set on the big screens at the Other Stage yesterday.
“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,” Mr Zelensky told the crowd of thousands.
“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.”
Mr Zelensky said Ukraine “will not let Russia’s war break us” and that he wants the war to stop before it “ruins people’s lives in other countries of Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America”.
He said: “Spread the truth about Russia’s war. Help Ukrainians who are forced to flee their homes because of the war.
“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”, which was met with loud and rolling cheers and applause from those gathered at the stage in Worthy Farm, Somerset.
Mr Zelensky also called on people to visit his United24 charity platform, which collects donations to aid Ukraine’s response to the Russian invasion.
The Ukrainian president’s message came before Billie Eilish made history by taking to the Pyramid Stage as Glastonbury Festival’s youngest ever solo headliner.
The Grammy-winning singer, 20, performed alongside her brother and co-writer Finneas O’connell.
The US pop star made her Glastonbury debut in 2019 when she performed on the Other Stage and treated crowds to a string of tracks such as Bad Guy and You Should See Me In A Crown.
As Eilish performed, Sir Paul Mccartney warmed up for his headlining slot tonight by performing at a Somerset music venue.
Apart from Eilish, the line-up for the Pyramid Stage yesterday included Sam Fender, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, Crowded House and Rufus Wainwright.
Other acts included the Sugababes on the Avalon Stage, and Foals and St Vincent on the Other Stage.