WATCH: Laois Ukrainian community stage protest in Portlaoise after rocket attack on children's hospital

A peaceful protest held in Portlaoise on Thursday was dedicated to the memories of those that were killed in Russia’s recent attack on Kyiv's Okhmatdyt Hospital, Ukraine’s largest children’s hospital.

Passing cars beeped their horns in support as around 30 people gathered in the grounds of  S.S. Peter & Paul Church armed with Ukrainian flags and holding up signs 'Pray for Ukraine' and 'Stop War'.

Speaking to Leinster Express/Laois Live Chairperson of the Ukrainian Laois Support Association, Nataliia Uhnenko explained why they were holding the event. 

"What we have here is a peaceful protest in Laois. This protest is dedicated to the memory of those children and adults who died in the massive rocket attack on Kiev on July 7.  It resulted in the destruction of Okhmatdyt children's hospital," said Nataliia. 

"This action aims to remind the media, authorities and the local residents that the war in Ukraine is still ongoing and that innocent Ukrainian children are dying from rocket attacks on hospitals and residential buildings. CONTINUE READING BELOW PHOTO

"Ukraine urgently needs more air defence systems to protect against rocket attacks which target children's hospitals, residential buildings and power plants that power entire cities. 

"We argue that such air defence is humanitarian aid and not military aid. We demand that Russia needs to stop its murderous aggression against innocent children."