'I'm trying to hold on because I don't know what to do': Hundreds gather for Ukraine vigil Friday

Friday marks one year since Feb. 24, 2022, when Russia first invaded Ukraine.

The death toll from the war is rising, both among troops and civilians.

Ukraine has seen 100,000 troops killed or wounded and 30,000 civilian deaths. More than one million people have fled Ukraine to neighboring countries.

Some have been able to escape the war, others still have family back home.

"It's always hard of course, I'm talking and I want to cry," said Olga Zadorozhna, a volunteer who said her uncle had to hide in his basement to avoid attacks. "I'm trying to hold on because I don't know what to do. What can we do? We try to help as we can but it's not enough. I feel like I'm not doing enough."

Yulia Sitnik, an attendee of the vigil, lived in the war territory for 69 days. She was able to escape with her nine-year-old daughter, but her mother is still back in Ukraine and has survived several Russian searches.

Sitnik said Russian soldiers took everything from her.

"The day Russian soldiers took away our familiy photo album, they took away our memories," Sitnik said.

Many others shared similar stories of loss, and shared encouragement and hope. Hope that one day the next time they meet, it will be a celebration.

"I hope, of course, for victory," Sitnik said. "It will be such a long time."