New York City, New York - Hundreds of Ukrainians and supporters gathered in Times Square on Thursday to protest the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The harsh bite of a brisk winter and snow flurries weren't enough to stop protesters from coming out in their droves, waving flags and signs while chanting "Stop Russian Hitler" and "Hands off Ukraine!"

It was a lively scene, full of passion, positive energy, and, most importantly, pride.

Their message is quite clear – the Russian invasion of Ukraine is wrong, and something must be done to end what has already become a brutal war. Vladimir Putin must also be held accountable.

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The crowd marched from Times Square to the Permanent Mission of Russia to the United Nations, located on 67 street, and then to the Russian Consulate on 91.

The march was organized by Razom for Ukraine, a non-profit group that aims to "increase civic engagement" and "amplify voices from Ukraine in conversations in the United States," according to their website.

Voices were definitely amplified as Ukrainian Americans and New Yorkers from all walks of life came out to show their support and demand a peaceful end to the war.

Many of the protesters spoke of having friends and family back home, and the bombing currently taking place in Ukraine has them fearful of their safety.

Markian Kuciw, a protester who was notably wrapped up in a large Ukrainian flag and proudly leading chants, captured the mood and motivation.

"I'm here because at five o'clock this morning, Ukraine was bombed by the Russians," he said. "I woke up to my fiancée crying because her uncle who was brought into this war... could potentially be dead."

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Clearly shaken up by the thought, he says there is no communication and very limited resources are going in and out of Ukraine right now.

Despite his fear, shared by many Ukrainians here in the US, Kuciw insists that whatever the outcome is, peace should be the main consideration.

"Ideally, we will come to a peaceful resolution because this world needs peace in this time," he stated. "Hopefully, President Biden will do his due diligence and we can come to some sort of peaceful resolution."

Peter Perry, a Ukrainian protester who is very concerned for his community, was also distressed as he watched the news Wednesday night. With friends and family back home, the video of bombs being dropped on civilians has him worried.

He believes, along with many others marching, that Russia invaded with no cause or reason.

"I think Putin's a f**kin' nut," he said, laughing. "He's always been really out there, aggressive, obviously a dictator... I just can't figure out what the end goal is here."

Tensions between Russia and Ukraine isn't anything new to Perry, who says the two countries have had problems for over 700 years.

"I think [Putin] sees himself as like a Julius Caesar figure that came and brought the Russian people from nothing to this big empire again."

Despite the severity and long history of violence, Perry seemed very optimistic that the Ukrainian people and army will stand strong.

"Slava Ukrayini i slava nashym heroyam," Perry said. "It means 'Glory to Ukraine and glory to our heroes'."

As the world watches, people from all walks of life have been empathizing and showing solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

Lobsang Tseten, an active member of the group Students for a Free Tibet, was horrified by what he saw on the news, but that display of violence is something he's familiar with.

"As a Tibetan, I can only imagine back in 1959 this probably must have happened in China... I see so many Ukrainians leaving cities, trying to find a better life, and that's what happened with so many Tibetens when China took over our land."

Tseten recognized quickly that this situation isn't just a problem for the people of Ukraine, it's a crisis for the world. Sitting idly by wasn't an option.

"I'm here to show solidarity and question Putin's totalitarian act of invading Ukraine."

There are similar marches happening all over the world as people are demanding peace. It is now up to the aggressors to actually stop and listen.