Newcastle's Monument was awash in a sea of blue and yellow on Saturday as protestors united in a show of solidarity for Ukraine.
It comes more than a week after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a devastating invasion of the country.
Around 100 demonstrators gathered in the city centre at 2pm on March 5 to hold a rally that called on Russia to end the war.
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Those gathered at Grey's Monument aimed to raise awareness of Ukraine's plight, with many calling for a 'no-fly zone' which would bar all unauthorised aircraft from flying over Ukraine.
Many Ukrainians, waving flags and banners that said, 'help Ukraine, stop war,' were among those taking part.
Oleg Sklyga, 44, is an engineer from Ukraine, where he still has family, but now lives in Stockton.
"We are trying to attract more people to the problems Ukraine is experiencing at the moment," he said.
"It is a war and it is a crime which Russians are doing against our people.
"They have been shelling over peaceful cities and killing citizens and kids. They are shelling hospitals and schools.
"We are trying to ask people to make a petition to the West to close the sky over Ukraine because every day we have more casualties and more deaths. That is why we are here."
He continued: "Russia is shelling the power stations and committing war crimes.
"The world must know it and we have to stop Putin as soon as possible.
"I would like to thank Mr Johnson for the sanctions, but we need more action.
"We need to close the sky over Ukraine, which is what we are asking for now."
He welcomed the support from the people of Newcastle, adding: "It is incredible to see the support, not only in Newcastle, but in the entire Tees Valley and rest of England who are supporting Ukraine."
Olga's son, Denis Sklyga, nine, said: "I came here because of the horrific stuff happening in Ukraine right now due to Russia's invasion last week.
"I have family in Ukraine and some of them are learning how to make Molotov Cocktails."
Northumbria University lecturer, Yevhen Baranchenko, is from Ukraine, where he still has family.
The 38-year-old was at the protest to call for a no-fly zone.
He said: "We were shocked when we realised that this happened overnight and since then we have lost whether it's day or night.
"We follow the news constantly on our phones, talking to friends and relatives over there, trying to support them to stay brave, but it is not that easy when you are facing an army that huge in numbers.
"We don't know where the next shelling will come from and that is the most brutal thing that Putin has been doing.
"In Russia, they don't call it a war, they call it a 'special operation' and I believe that is deliberately done to hide it from his own citizens, many of whom don't know what is going on, as the media is controlled by the Government."
He continued: "It is a shame that Putin and his followers in Russia still believe that you can resolve issues with military power.
"That is not the case, we don't believe in that and we will fight for democracy."
In a message to the UK Government Yevhen added: "We need more military support, otherwise Ukraine may not stand for long.
"Many Ukrainians are calling for a no-fly zone. It will make a huge difference for us."
Victoria Miller from Ukraine also has family there and called on Boris Johnson to "be brave" and back a no-fly zone.
She said: "We are fighting for democracy, for freedom for Europe, we are fighting against tyranny.
"This is no longer just a one-country conflict. Be brave."
Victoria welcomed the support of the people in Newcastle who turned out to protest.
She added: "I am here to support Ukraine, Europe, and the whole international community, to stand peacefully, but powerfully, against the war in Ukraine, against lost lives and what it might mean for Europe in the future.
"Seeing the support here is amazing, every effort and every thought counts.
"It sends a message and makes us stronger.
"Please support the movement against the war in any way you can.
"Pray for peace, pray for Ukraine and pray for Europe."
