About 100 people gathered in Tokyo on Friday to remember the victims of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The event took place outside the United Nations University in Shibuya Ward.

A Ukrainian man who helped organize the event pointed out that many people have died in the town of Bucha, and that the death tolls in other areas are not known.

The participants observed a moment of silence. They also placed blue and yellow flowers on a Ukrainian national flag and lit candles arranged to spell "peace."

The United Nations says at least 1,611 Ukrainian civilians have died due to the invasion as of last Wednesday.

A 26-year-old company employee from Chiba Prefecture, east of Tokyo, said she doesn't want to ignore what's happening in Ukraine. She also expressed hope that no more lives will be lost.

A woman from Donetsk in eastern Ukraine came with her 3-year-old daughter. The mother said it is painful to see what is happening in her country.

She also said she hopes peace will prevail, and that she will never forget nor tolerate the invasion.