Australian embassy staff and officials have been directed to evacuate Ukraine after Russian troops were ordered into the east of the state.

President Vladimir Putin ordered the troops into eastern Ukraine as part of a ‘peacekeeping mission’ after recognising two separatist territories, Donetsk and Luhansk, as independent states.

Australian officials have been sent to Romania and Poland to assist in evacuations from the region as operations in Lviv temporarily close.

Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne said in a statement today the safety of Australians and officials remains a priority of the federal government.

“We continue to urge all Australians to leave Ukraine immediately. Do not delay.”

The Australian government has condemned moves by President Putin today, which Ms Payne says has no validity under international law.

“These personnel are not peacekeepers.”

Misha Zelinsky, a Fulbright Scholar currently based in Kyiv and Australian Financial Review contributor, told Liam Bartlett on 6PR Mornings everything appeared normal in the city.

Tap PLAY below to hear more from Misha in Kyiv.