The U.S. State Department has warned American citizens to depart Russia, and for those with planned travel to stay out of the country, which is at war with Ukraine and has increased tensions with other neighboring countries.
Americans who travel to Russia are risking arbitrary arrest or harassment.
“U.S. citizens residing or travelling in Russia should depart immediately,” the U.S. Embassy in Moscow wrote. “Exercise increased caution due to the risk of wrongful detentions. Do not travel to Russia.”
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs told French citizens to depart Belarus, which has close ties with Russia. Moldovan president Maia Sandu just warned the world that she believes Russia is planning a coup d’état in Moldova, with Russian soldiers posing as “opposition protesters.” Moldova borders Ukraine and the government appears fragile.
State Department has put Russia in the Red Level — do not travel.
“Do not travel to Russia due to the unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces, the potential for harassment against U.S. citizens by Russian government security officials, the singling out of U.S. citizens in Russia by Russian government security officials including for detention, 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, COVID-19-related restrictions, and terrorism. U.S. citizens residing or travelling in Russia should depart Russia immediately. Exercise increased caution due to wrongful detentions,” the State Department advised Monday morning.
The U.S. government’s ability to provide routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens in Russia is severely limited, particularly in areas far from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, due to Russian government limitations on travel for embassy personnel and staffing, and the ongoing suspension of operations, including consular services, at U.S. consulates.
U.S. credit and debit cards no longer work in Russia and there are reports of cash shortages in the country.
In September, the Russian government mobilized citizens to the armed forces in support of its invasion of Ukraine. Russia may refuse to acknowledge someone’s dual citizenship, deny their access to U.S. consular assistance, subject them to military service, prevent their departure from Russia, and/or conscript them to the front lines, the State Department said.
“Commercial flight options are extremely limited and are often unavailable on short notice. If you wish to depart Russia, you should make independent arrangements as soon as possible. The U.S. Embassy has severe limitations on its ability to assist U.S. citizens to depart the country and transportation options may suddenly become even more limited. Click here for Information for U.S. Citizens Seeking to Depart Russia,” according to the agency.
It’s unknown how many Americans are left in Russia. Last March, the State Department issued a similar warning to Americans to leave Russia immediately, after Russia had declared war on Ukraine the previous week.
