A rally was held in Waterloo Thursday as a show of solidarity against the Russian invasion in Ukraine.

The event started at 1 p.m. in Waterloo Public Square.

The peaceful demonstration was organized by local Ukrainian churches and international students from Ukraine who are currently studying at universities in Waterloo.

Both groups are closely watching what is happening in their home country.

Andriy, who lives in Waterloo, says his family is currently in Kharkiv which is being targeted by Russia.

"I have my father, my grandmother, my uncle, my aunt, my cousins, a lot of my family are there and they're hiding in basements," he said while fighting back tears. "One rocket hit [a] target that's two kilometres away from my house. There were three attacks like that, and it's very scary. My family is in risk of their lives. I am very worried, and my family here is also very worried."

Ivan Jaworsky, a retired political science professor at the University of Waterloo, is of Ukrainian descent and has in-depth geopolitical knowledge of the country's situation.

He says Ukraine has been dealing with Russian threats for nearly a decade.

Despite this, Jaworsky says he's shocked by the latest developments.

"I've been in touch with relatives in Ukraine and I used to travel almost annually to Ukraine. I still keep in touch with friends and relatives. So it's been disturbing, although I'm trying to keep calm as are most people in Ukraine."

The Region of Waterloo will raise a Ukrainian flag at headquarters to show support for the country.

Ukrainian churches in Waterloo Region say they will also be offering special services Thursday night for those needing additional support. One will be held at 6 p.m. at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of St. Sophia in Waterloo, and the other will begin at 7 p.m. at the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Transfiguration in Kitchener.

On Tuesday night, the sign in front of Cambridge Hall was lit up in the colours of the Ukrainian flag, with the mayor calling it a gesture of solidarity.