A rally in support of the people in Ukraine held outside Kelowna city hall, Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022.

(CARLI BERRY / iNFOnews.ca)

Kelowna residents rallied in solidarity with the people of Ukraine as the country was plunged into war at the hands of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

A rally was held outside of Kelowna City Hall today, Feb. 24, to show support for Ukraine and condemn the actions of Putin.

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, unleashing airstrikes on cities and military bases and sending in troops and tanks from three sides in an attack that could rewrite the global post-Cold War security order. Ukraine’s government pleaded for help as civilians piled into trains and cars to flee.

READ MORE: Russian invasion sparks anger and worry among Ukrainian community in Kelowna

The Jewish community has been bringing flowers and messages of support to both of Kelowna's Ukrainian churches, said former president of the Okanagan Jewish Community Centre Steven Finkleman.

“This is real, it actually embarrassed me two or three or four weeks ago, the Canadian flags being waved for freedom… this is the true flag-waving for freedom,” he said, indicating the Ukrainian flags being held by supporters.

Protestors are seen outside Kelowna city hall, Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022.

(CARLI BERRY / iNFOnews.ca)

Roughly 30 people gathered outside of city hall, waving Ukrainian flags and showing signs saying "stand with Ukraine" and "Stop Putin."

“I hope everybody knows what’s going on since last night. Russia has invaded our country and bombed our entire country and this is the reason why we gathered here. If we’re not going to protect Ukrainians and if the world will not help us, everybody will be next,” said organizer Danylo Sora. “First Ukraine, then Poland, then Germany, then Spain, then United States, then Canada."

Sora grew up in Ukraine and asked the Kelowna community to pray for peace in Ukraine and the world.

READ MORE: Russia invades Ukraine on many fronts in 'brutal act of war'

“If we’re not going to stop Putin with his nation and his armed forces, it could be a third world war.”

His parents are living in Western Ukraine. He didn’t want to believe the news of the invasion and said he was “shocked” and "disappointed.”

“I didn’t sleep the whole night, I was checking on the news of my parents.”

During a press conference today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada will be sending up to 460 troops to support NATO and is imposing further economic sanctions which will impact 58 Russian elites, their family members and two banks.

— With files from The Canadian Press

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