'Hands Off Ukraine': Protesters Gather In Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, CA — More than 100 people came together in Westwood Thursday to protest Russia's invasion of Ukraine, one of many such gatherings expected throughout California.

The Westwood protest came as Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday launched an invasion of Ukraine amid global pushback.

The protest started Thursday around 10 a.m. outside the federal building in Westwood, located at 11000 Wilshire Blvd. The protest built momentum for hours, and the protesters were mostly Ukrainian Americans, according to KTLA.

Videos on Twitter showed protesters holding flags and signs that read, "Stop Putin," "Defend Ukraine," "Today — Ukraine; Tomorrow - U.S.?" and "Putin, keep hands off Ukraine."

"I am trying to reach [my family] all the time, but the connection is unstable. ... That's really horrible, and it's important not to panic," Dasha Koreniienko told KTLA from the protest. Koreniienko's parents currently live in Kyiv, she added: "I'm very angry."

Activists on Sunday had gathered at the federal building in Westwood to promote peace in Ukraine ahead of Russia's invasion and had planned to rally again on Tuesday, CBS Los Angeles reported.

Another rally of Ukrainian Americans was expected in Studio City Thursday night, according to City News Service.

Protests and demonstrations popped up all over the country Thursday, including a protest planned in the Bay Area.