Large crowds turned out in downtown Toronto on Sunday afternoon to rally in support of the people of Ukraine, as the war in that country continues.
The #StandWithUkraine rally was organized by the Toronto branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, and began at 2 p.m., at the Russian Consulate on St. Clair Avenue East.
Demonstrators held the Ukrainian flag and signs condemning Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actions.
In a tweet Sunday afternoon, Toronto police said St. Clair Avenue East from Yonge Street to Avoca Avenue was closed due to a “large crowd” blocking traffic in the area.
In a press release, the congress said the rally is against Russia’s “continuing and brutal invasion of Ukraine.”
“The Ukrainian Canadian Congress-Toronto Branch, together with the GTA Ukrainian and other communities, will be holding a Rally to support Ukraine and to strongly condemn Russia’s continuing unprovoked invasion of Ukraine,” the release reads. “Putin must be stopped now! NATO needs to ACT NOW!”
A post on the congress’s Facebook page says the organization is calling for a no-fly zone to be implemented over Ukraine.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine late last month, rallies and protest marches have been held daily in Toronto and across the country.
Last weekend, large crowds gathered to participate in a “mega march” in Toronto.
Demonstrators walked from Yonge and Dundas Square, to Nathan Phillip’s Square, in support of Ukraine.