A rally in support of Russia and the Russian army, which is fighting a war against Ukraine, took place at Al-Baath University in Homs, on Tuesday.

Participants in the march waved flags of Russia and Syria and raised pictures of the Russian president.

On the morning of Feb. 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a special military operation on the territory of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics.

The president signed decrees recognizing the independence of the two republics, as well as agreements on friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance on Feb. 21.

A day later, the State Duma and the Federation Council ratified the treaties.

In response, the European Union and a number of other countries imposed various sanctions, causing 697 people and 56 organizations to be blacklisted.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky imposed martial law throughout the country.