Crowds around the world rally to mark anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

Crowds rallied in cites ranging from Warsaw to Sydney and New York in a collective show of support on the first anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The rallies come as governments from Washington to London to Berlin have said they will stick by Ukraine for as long as it takes, sending aid and advanced weaponry to Kyiv and ratcheting up sanctions pressure on Moscow.

There were no major public events to mark the anniversary on Friday in Russia, which set off fireworks on Thursday for the annual "Defenders of the Fatherland" holiday and held a pop concert on Wednesday attended by President Vladimir Putin.