Hundreds of students lined up outside Manchester Museum for a chance to speak directly to the Ukrainian President last week.
Students from the University of Manchester were granted a rare opportunity to pose questions to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a live question and answer session as the leader steers Ukraine through the current Russian invasion.
The free event proved so popular that a huge queue formed outside the venue on Friday (10 June), with organisers having to secure a second venue at University Place at the last minute.
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Zelenskyy told Mancunians that Russia wanted to 'wipe out' Ukraine by denying its right to exist and eradicate its history. More than 4,000 civilians have been killed during the conflict - although the true figure is thought to be much higher.
The president told students that Vladimir Putin is "afraid" of free nations, as he pledged he would not give up or concede territory to Russia. It comes as a former British soldier fighting in Ukraine was killed over the weekend.
Mr Zelenskyy urged Ukrainian students to use their skills to help rebuild his country, telling them they are "ambassadors" for the country and that he'll need to call on them to build a 'comfortable state' once the war has ended.
He set out plans which will allow its allies to directly sponsor the rebuilding of entire cities and sectors of the economy, and mentioned that cities and countries had already linked with their Ukrainian counterparts to start planning the reconstruction.
The leader also used part of the session to thank the UK for their efforts, saying that we had been the 'leader and driver' of the supply of weapons for the Ukrainian army. He said that "when" Ukraine wins the war, they will share the victory with our country.
Professor Papadimitriou, of the University’s Ukrainian Society said: "We were delighted to have co-hosted the Ukrainian President here in Manchester, and the reaction from our students was amazing.
"At present there is no bigger issue in the world than the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and this event gave our students the opportunity to engage live with the person who is at the forefront of these historic times.
"The responses of President Zelenskyy were informal and very engaging. There is no doubt he is a charismatic communicator, and this is a precious quality in the battle of the Ukrainian government to win hearts and minds around the world."
Mariia Horb, President of the University’s Ukrainian Society, added: "We were excited to speak to our President at such a difficult time, and to unite our voices with the struggle of the people of Ukraine."
