The warning marks the highest level, Level 4, of alerts issued by the State Department, which range from exercising precaution to ceasing all travel…reports Asian Lite News
The US has issued an advisory telling its citizens to leave Russia immediately and cease travel to the country citing risks of harassment and arbitrary arrest for Americans.
“U.S. citizens residing or travelling in Russia should depart immediately. Exercise increased caution due to the risk of wrongful detentions,” reads the alert issued by US Department of State.
“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,” it added.
The warning marks the highest level, Level 4, of alerts issued by the State Department, which range from exercising precaution to ceasing all travel.
It also alerted that the US government’s ability to provide routine or emergency services to its citizens in Russia is severely limited, particularly in areas far from the embassy in Moscow.
This is due to Russian government limitations on travel for embassy personnel and staffing, and the ongoing suspension of operations, including consular services, at US consulates.
The State Department has urged US citizens to note that American credit and debit cards no longer work in Russia, and options to electronically transfer funds from the United States are extremely limited due to sanctions imposed on Russian banks. There are reports of cash shortages within Russia.
It warned that 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,” the advisory reads.
