While Mexico has said it won’t put economic sanctions on Russia over its invasion of the Ukraine, leaders say they will accept Ukrainian refugees.

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said Wednesday that Mexico has been evacuating its citizens from conflict areas and is now ready to receive all Ukrainian citizens who ask for refuge in the country.

"All of those who ask for refuge in our country will be received and protected and welcomed," he said during his daily press conference, citing what he calls the country’s history as a site of refuge.

On Tuesday, the head of the National Immigration Institute, Francisco Garduño Yáñez, also said that Ukrainians already in Mexico would be able to extend their visas to avoid returning to a dangerous situation at home.

He said Russians in Mexico will also be permitted to seek refuge if they prefer not to return to war in their country.