US Embassy in Moscow urges citizens to leave Russia ‘immediately’

ISTANBUL (AA) – The US Embassy in Moscow has issued a travel advisory for its citizens due to the “unpredictable consequences” of the war in Ukraine, which is approaching its one-year anniversary.

“Do not travel to Russia due to … the potential for harassment and the singling out of US 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 US citizens in Russia, and the possibility of terrorism,” a recent embassy statement reads.

It said US citizens residing or traveling in Russia should leave the country immediately, and exercise increased caution due to “the risk of wrongful detentions.”

“The US government’s ability to provide routine or emergency services to US citizens in Russia is severely limited, particularly in areas far from the US 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 US consulates,” it noted.

The press release said Russia may refuse to acknowledge US citizenship of dual nationals and may “subject them to mobilization, prevent their departure from Russia, and/or conscript them.”

It added that US credit and debit cards no longer work in Russia and that commercial flight options are extremely limited and often unavailable on short notice, urging US citizens to make independent arrangements “as soon as possible.”

US citizens should avoid “all political or social protests and not photograph security personnel at these events,” it said.