About 100 people gathered at the N.C. State Capitol building to raise awareness about the ongoing civil unrest in Ukraine and the impending threat of war with Russia Sunday afternoon.

The Ukrainian Association of North Carolina represents 16,000 Ukrainian-Americans residing in North Carolina, 3,000 having immigrated recently. The association gathered to honor and mourn those who died in clashes with the government security forces in Kiev, the capital city of Ukraine, said Andriy Shymonyak, a senior in history and political science.

In addition, Shymonyak said the group protested against Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine, which claims it is in violation of international laws and treaties. They aimed to get the attention of U.S. lawmakers, hoping necessary measures would take place to stop Russia’s invasion. Shymonyak said that according to international agreements, the United States would be required to act if such an event came to pass. 

President Barack Obama has said Russia should not use any military force to change the fate of Ukraine, The New York Times reported.

“The United States will stand with the international community in affirming that there will be costs for any military intervention in Ukraine,” Obama said in a White House Press Briefing Friday.

Shymonyak said while the Obama’s rhetoric has been decisive, his actions must back his words.

“Overall, amongst those at the protest there was a mix of fear about the potential outbreak of war with Russia, sadness as they see their country of birth or the country of their parents or grandparents undergoing this difficult situation and hope that the Ukrainian government along with help from the US and others can deter Mr. Putin from starting a war and that the country can finally move forward and develop into a prosperous, democratic state,” Shymonayk said.

Secretary of State John Kerry will visit Kiev on Tuesday to show the United States’ support for Ukraine, The New York Times reported.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk has warned that his country is on the “brink of disaster,” Al Jazeera reported.

“If President [Vladimir] Putin wants to be the president who started a war between two neighboring and friendly countries, between Ukraine and Russia, he has reached his target within a few inches,” Yatenyuk told reporters in English on Sunday, a day after Russia’s parliament approved the use of military force in Ukraine.

The Guardian has reported that over 100 people have been killed since the Euromaidan protests began.