Several hundred people rallied in Zagreb's central Ban Josip Jelačić Square on Saturday to express solidarity with Ukraine following Russia's invasion of the country.

The rally was organised by the Croatian Helsinki Committee for Human Rights (HHO) and the Association of Ukrainians in Zagreb.

The event was expected to be addressed by Ukrainian Ambassador Vasyl Kyrylych and former MP Borislav Graljuk, as well as by Science and Education Minister Radovan Fuchs, on the government’s behalf.

A Ukrainian flag with the message “I stand with Ukraine” and “#stoprussianagression” was displayed at the rally and songs by Ukrainian bands were played on loudspeakers.

The protesters were carrying banners with messages in Croatian, Ukrainian and English, saying “Glory to Ukraine’s heroes” “Glory to Ukraine”, “Let’s help Ukraine”, “Help Ukraine to save Europe, establish no fly zone!”, “Stop the war in Ukraine!”, “Pray for Ukraine”, “Stop Putin, stop war”, “Stop the war, save Europe”, “Ukraine is the heart of Europe”.

Leaflets calling for support to Ukraine and its people was distributed at the rally.

HHO president Ivan Zvonimir Čičak earlier this week called on the mayors of other cities as well as county heads to join in support for Ukraine, so similar rallies of support will also be held in Split, Vukovar, Rijeka and Pula.