The U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Russia told American citizens not to travel to the country. Those already in Russia should leave immediately.
The alert says: “Do not travel to Russia due to the unpredictable consequences of the unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces, the potential for harassment and the singling out of U.S. citizens for detention by Russian government security officials, the arbitrary enforcement of local law, limited flights into and out of Russia, the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia, and the possibility of terrorism. U.S. citizens residing or travelling in Russia should depart immediately. Exercise increased caution due to the risk of wrongful detentions.”
The embassy explained its ability to help citizens “is severely limited, particularly in areas far from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow.”
The Russian government placed “limitations on travel for embassy personnel and staffing.”
The one-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine is on February 24 (my birthday!).
The officials warned American citizens that the Russian government might not recognize those who have dual citizenship. The citizens could also face problems reaching the embassy for help and even preventing them from leaving Russia.
The government could force American citizens “to mobilization” “and/or conscript them.”
The last Level 4 warning, which is the highest, came in September when Russian dictator “President Vladimir Putin ordered a partial mobilastion.”
Rumors of another mobilization began in January.
U.S. credit and debit cards do not work in Russia. Due to sanctions, it’s difficult for American citizens “to electronically transfer funds from the U.S.” It doesn’t help that there’s a cash shortage in America.
The citizens face limited flights out of Russia. It could get worse, too.
The U.S Embassy also warned citizens not to participate in social protests. The country doesn’t protect people’s natural right to protest and express themselves.
Russia has a history of harassing and arresting American citizens on trumped up charges:
Russian security services may fail to notify the U.S. Embassy of the detention of a U.S. citizen and unreasonably delay U.S. consular assistance. Russian security services are increasing the arbitrary enforcement of local laws to target foreign and international organizations they consider “undesirable.”Russian security services have arrested U.S. citizens on spurious charges, singled out U.S. citizens in Russia for detention and harassment, denied them fair and transparent treatment, and convicted them in secret trials or without presenting credible evidence. Furthermore, Russian authorities arbitrarily enforce local laws against U.S. citizen religious workers and have opened questionable criminal investigations against U.S. citizens engaged in religious activity. U.S. citizens should avoid travel to Russia to perform work for or volunteer with non-governmental organizations or religious organizations.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded: “They (warnings) have been voiced by the State Department many times in the last period, so this is not a new thing.”
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