The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says eight Jamaicans studying in Ukraine have left the European country. Another five are to arrive on the island this week.

This, as the tension between Ukraine and Russia, continues to rise.

Ukraine has urged its three million citizens living in Russia to leave the country immediately.

A 30-day state of emergency is also expected to be declared in Ukraine.

In an update on the students today, Foreign Affairs Minister Senator Kamina Johnson Smith said the Jamaican government had made a special offer to assist Jamaican students seeking to return home, and that ultimately no student had utilized it.

She said although seven students had requested assistance, ultimately they decided not to go this route.

Senator Johnson Smith noted that despite the cancellation of some flights, the Jamaican government has shared options with the students if they wish to return to the island.

She added that the Jamaican government remains hopeful that diplomatic efforts will yield a de-escalation of tensions, but noted with concern the intensification of tensions in the region.