Thousands of people gathered in central Athens on Tuesday to mark four years since the start of the war in Ukraine, with Ukrainians living in Greece and Greek citizens joining forces in a show of solidarity and a call for peace.

The demonstration began at a central landmark and moved through the city to the main square, with participants carrying Ukrainian flags and chanting for an immediate end to the war. Families, including young children dressed in traditional clothing, took part in the march.

The gathering was marked by moments of visible emotion, as participants have friends and relatives have been lost during the war.

In parallel with the public demonstrations, Greece’s Foreign Ministry building was illuminated in the colors of the Ukrainian flag.

In a statement, Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis said: “Today marks 4 years since the Russian attack on Ukraine, which led to hundreds of thousands of deaths. It is important today to unite our voices against aggression, against any form of revisionism. To join our forces for peace.”