There was an outpouring of support for Ukraine at the foot of Market Street Saturday, hundreds of people stood in solidarity under a sea of blue and yellow flags.
The crowd chanted, "glory to Ukraine" and praising those who are pushing back against the Russian invasion.
"Our Ukrainian troops are doing great fighting back against the Russian aggression," said rally organizer Anastasia Popova.
"I have friends in Kyiv who have armed themselves they're staying, Putin didn't expect it, he expected us to roll over they are fighting for freedom," said Andray Kryvoruka.
VIDEO: Why did Russia attack Ukraine? Top Google questions answered
Russia-Ukraine: Stanford expert answers top Google questions
But amid the heroism, there is fear for relatives caught in the fighting. Oryna Shevchenko's family in Eastern Ukraine have taken cover where there is no heat and sporadic electricity.
"Last night, they had to stay in a basement while there was active shooting, over five hours," she said.
"Ukraine needs to the world now, I call on everyone to act," said one speaker.
Activists are now are calling on NATO and the West to help with military aid for Ukraine.
VIDEO: A brief look into Ukraine, one of Europe's largest, poorest countries
Ukraine Explained: Here's where it's located
"Right now, the United States and NATO need to fight back, sanctions are not enough," Popova added.
This group raising awareness with rallies, vigils and prayers to help the country they love.
Another rally to support Ukraine is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday at San Francisco City Hall.
RELATED STORIES & VIDEOS:
- Where is Ukraine located? A brief look into one of Europe's largest, poorest countries
- Russia protests: Hundreds rally in support of Ukraine at SF City Hall
- Stocks tumble; oil, wheat prices soar after Russia invades Ukraine
- Russia-Ukraine conflict raises big risks for global economy
- Maksim Chmerkovskiy of 'Dancing With the Stars' posts from Ukraine: 'WAR is NEVER an answer!'
- Russia invades Ukraine on many fronts in 'brutal act of war'; 57 Ukrainians killed in invasion
- Russian forces seize control of Chernobyl nuclear plant, Ukrainian official says
- Putin's main goal is to restore 'historic Russia,' UC Berkeley professor says
- Stocks tumble; oil, wheat prices soar after Russia invades Ukraine
- The CEO and the employee: How an SF company is working to protect workers in Ukraine
- Russia attack on Ukraine could lead to highest gas prices in California history, expert says
- Russia-Ukraine conflict raises big risks for global economy
- Bay Area Ukrainian families anxious as threat of war with Russia looms
- Dozens rally in San Francisco to support Ukraine as Russian invasion looms
- Why Americans should care about the Ukraine-Russia conflict
- Putin's options: Aside from full Ukraine invasion, Russia has other ways to lash out at US, NATO