It had been a long 367 days since Russian forces invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022. But when members of Boston's Ukrainian community and their supporters flooded Copley Square on Sunday, they signaled their resolve to see Ukraine endure as a sovereign, independent nation—no matter how long it takes.

Bracing a bitter cold made worse by a February breeze, demonstrators carried signs along with blue and yellow flags, now recognized around the world as a symbol of resistance and solidarity.

Vsevolod Petriv, president of the Boston branch of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, estimated that 2,000 people attended the rally. He said that the war in Ukraine is about autocracy versus democracy. And he was happy to see the solidarity of the Ukrainian diaspora evident in that struggle.

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"Ukrainians are spread throughout the world due to all the different conflicts," he said. "And all of these different pockets of Ukrainians are joining hands together. And that's pretty cool."

Among the speakers at the rally was Rep. Stephen Lynch, who compared Russian president Vladimir Putin's efforts in Ukraine to those of Adolf Hitler in World War II.

"I think it's important for all of us to remember that this is not just about Ukraine," Lynch said. "Ukraine stands at the frontline of democracy in Europe."

Although she wasn't a speaker, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu issued a statement through a spokesperson proclaiming Sunday as Boston Ukraine Day.

"On this day and in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, I commend them for their strength, courage and bravery and do urge all citizens of the City of Boston to stand together in support of the Ukrainian people in this fight for freedom," the statement read.

Sunday's crowd was a mix of people, including many who emigrated from the Eastern European country, people with ties to it and others who were there to support Ukraine on ideological grounds.

Leonid Furman, 65, lives in Stoughton and came to the United States from Russia 31 years ago. He said he sees the war as something bigger than merely a fight for one country's independence.

"In my opinion, it's not the war just against Ukraine. It's a war against the whole West," he said.

At the rally's end, demonstrators stepped inside Trinity Church for an exhibit, refreshments and a special service for Ukraine later in the afternoon.

Outside, Dariella Yasyukevych, who lives in Lynn and came to the U.S. from Ukraine 15 years ago, said that the past year has been tough, with family members still in Ukraine.

"That means a lot to every Ukrainian," she said. "And we appreciate that the whole world finally knows that Ukraine is not a part of Russia. That Ukraine's been independent for 31 years and that we exist, we have our culture, we have our food, our traditions, our language."

She's hopeful for two things going forward: that Ukraine will win and that Russia will be held accountable for its actions.