Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on Friday, June 24, festival-goers gathered in Glastonbury, England, to ask for their support in the face of the Russian invasion, which prevents Ukrainians from
“enjoying freedom and this wonderful summer”
.
Some 200,000 people are expected for the return of the legendary festival organized on the weekend of June 25/26 in the south-west of England, after two editions canceled due to Covid-19.
“We too in Ukraine would like to live as before and enjoy the freedom and this wonderful summer. But we cannot do it because a terrible event has happened: Russia has stolen our peace,”
Volodymyr Zelensky said in a video shown on a giant screen before a concert by The Libertines.
"That's why I turn to you for support, Glastonbury, the biggest rally for freedom these days, and I ask you to share this sentiment with all those whose freedom is threatened,"
he said .
-he adds.
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"Spread the truth about Russia's war, help Ukrainians who are forced to flee their homes because of war, (...) and put pressure on all politicians you know to restore peace in Ukraine" ,
added the Ukrainian leader, who has already spoken before parliaments around the world or at cultural events such as the Cannes Film Festival to mobilize the international community.
At Glastonbury on Friday June 24, pop star Billie Eilish is to become the youngest solo artist to perform at 20.
On Saturday June 25, ex-Beatles Paul McCartney will also be on stage, just a week after celebrating his 80th birthday, becoming the festival's oldest headliner.