Canadians are being warned not to travel to the Crimea region of Ukraine, and those already there are being urged to leave as soon as they can do so safely.

The warning from the Department of Foreign Affairs comes as Russia’s Parliament gave Vladimir Putin permission to deploy Russian troops in the strategic region of Crimea.

Foreign Affairs says Canadians who can’t leave because airports are not functioning, should stay indoors and not become involved with large crowds or demonstrations.

Travel to the capital Kyev is also being discouraged