Ukraine urges about 3 million of its citizens living in Russia to leave immediately

• Ukraine's government urged its citizens in Russia to leave the country immediately as tensions rise.
• The Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs told citizens to refrain from traveling to Russia.

Ukraine's government has urged its citizens living in Russia — up to an estimated 3 million people — to leave the country immediately amid rising tensions.

On Wednesday, the Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs issued a statement telling citizens not to travel to Russia, and that those already in the country should get out as soon as possible.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine recommends the citizens of Ukraine to refrain from any visits to the Russian Federation, and those who are in this country to leave its territory immediately," the ministry said, citing the "intensification of Russian aggression against Ukraine."

The ministry added, "We emphasize that disregarding these recommendations will significantly complicate ensuring the adequate protection of Ukrainian citizens in the Russian Federation."

Between 1.9 million and 3 million Ukrainians live in Russia, NBC News reported.

The move came after Russian President Vladimir Putin this week recognized the independence of two Moscow-backed separatist regions in eastern Ukraine and ordered troops there.

Putin also said he recognized separatists' full territorial claims in eastern Ukraine, marking a possible lead-up to a major offensive.

On Tuesday, President Joe Biden described Russia's aggression as the "beginning of a Russian invasion of Ukraine" as he announced sweeping sanctions against Russia.