Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky has made a surprise video address at the Glastonbury Festival.

The special message was played to a crowd of thousands just before The Libertines opened the 'Other Stage' at 11.30am this morning.

"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," he said.

"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."

He continued: "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!"

Zelenskly's address came ahead of Ukrainian Eurovision winners Kalush Orchestra's performance at the festival in the early hours of Saturday morning.