Thousands of people demonstrated in Prague’s historic center on Sunday in support of Ukraine, which has been fighting a Russian invasion since February.

The Czech Republic Against Fear rally, held under Czech, Ukrainian, EU and NATO flags, brought participants from both countries together in the famous Wenceslas Square.

“This rally is very important because it supports Ukraine and it is a reminder that we must support them and deal well with everything that is happening in the world and in Ukraine,” Ukrainian student Irina told Udod AFP.

The Czech Republic has provided significant military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine since the invasion began on February 24.

Speakers at the rally included Olena Zelenska, wife of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who sent a video message thanking the Czech Republic for its support.

Banners were aimed at Russian President Vladimir Putin, depicted as a figure sitting on a toilet and a puppet corpse in a black coffin.

“Supporting Ukraine is absolutely vital, because Ukraine will not make it without help,” said Petr Stepanek, who also attended the rally.

Prague police put the number of participants in the “low tens of thousands,” just as they did on Friday when an anti-government demonstration took place in the same square.

Friday’s rally, organized by a group with ties to the far-right scene, criticized the government for paying too much attention to Ukraine and neglecting its own people.

Protesters worried about rising inflation fueled by high energy prices called on Petr Fiala’s centre-right government to resign.

As an EU and NATO member with 10.5 million inhabitants, the Czech Republic currently holds the EU Council Presidency.