The United States Urges Citizens to Leave Russia Immediately

VIVA – The United States of America asks citizens to leave Russia immediately due to security risks amid the war in Ukraine and the risk of arbitrary arrest and harassment from Russian law enforcement agencies.

The U.S. Embassy in Moscow is urging American citizens, both resident and traveling, to leave Russia immediately, and to increase awareness of the risk of wrongful detention. "Do not travel to Russia," the embassy said.

The US has repeatedly warned its citizens to leave Russia. The last public warning was issued in September when Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a partial deployment of troops.

"Russian security authorities have detained U.S. citizens on false charges, singled out US citizens in Russia for detention and harassment, prevented them from receiving fair and transparent treatment, and convicted them in secret trials without presenting credible evidence," the embassy said.

In addition, the embassy continued, Russian authorities are arbitrarily enforcing local laws against US religious workers and have opened questionable criminal investigations against US citizens involved in religious activities.

Russia has opened a criminal case against an American citizen on espionage charges, the Russian intelligence service (FSB) said in January.