Due to the crisis in Ukraine and the possibility of arbitrary detention or harassment by Russian law enforcement, the United States has advised its citizens to leave Russia immediately.
The US embassy in Moscow advised American residents residing or traveling in Russia to leave immediately. "US citizens residing or travelling in Russia should depart immediately," the US embassy in Moscow said. It added, "Do not travel to Russia."
US Citizens Advised to Leave Russia
The Kremlin stated that this was not the first time Americans were ordered to leave Russia. After ordering a partial mobilization in September, President Vladimir Putin issued the last public warning.
In January, the Federal Security Service (FSB) announced that prosecutors had initiated an espionage investigation against a US citizen, as per Reuters.
Brittney Griner was released in a prisoner swap in December after being sentenced to nine years in a penal colony for possessing vape cartridges containing cannabis oil, which is illegal in Russia, following a judicial process deemed fraudulent by the United States.
Washington maintains that Paul Whelan, a former US Marine, is currently serving a 16-year term in a Russian prison colony after being convicted of false espionage allegations.
Due to limited protections in Russia, US citizens were also urged to "avoid all political or social protests and refrain from photographing security officers." According to Washington Examiner, Russia has previously jailed some Americans who participated in demonstrations.
According to the embassy, possibilities for leaving the country will be "limited" because of economic sanctions and worldwide anger against the Kremlin over the war.
Kremlin officials promptly shrugged off the travel restriction and remembered that the State Department issued a similar warning in September when Russian President Vladimir Putin sought to reinforce the war effort.
Russia-Ukraine War
After months of blunders and failures on the battlefield, Russia is widely believed to be preparing for a winter offensive. President Joe Biden will fly to Poland on February r20, ahead of the February 24 anniversary of the war in Ukraine.
The US government's ability to aid Americans abroad in Russia is severely constrained, as there are few commercial flying choices, and sanctions have made it more difficult to receive financial assistance.
In addition, the State Department accused Russia of detaining US nationals, neglecting to notify US authorities of their imprisonment, and targeting US persons engaged in religious activities.
Reportedly, new legislation under Putin permits the government to crack down on anyone "acting against Russia's interests, including engaging with foreign and international entities, discrediting the Russian state or military, and advocating for the rights of LGBTQI+ individuals."
Concerns exist that Russia is planning a fresh assault wave against its Eastern European neighbor, prompting this terrifying warning. Monday morning in Brussels, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg informed reporters that it has already begun.
Per Daily Mail, it occurs on the same day as a new and violent assault on the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut in the east. As the Wagner Group mercenaries spearhead Moscow's operation in the region, reports of intense bombardment in and around the town have persisted.
Related Article : Ukraine Destroys 31 'Elite' Russian Tanks
@YouTube
