Due to the conflict in Ukraine and the possibility of unwarranted detention or harassment by Russian law enforcement, the US has advised its people to leave Russia immediately.
“US citizens residing or traveling in Russia should depart immediately”
“U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Russia should depart immediately,” the U.S. embassy in Moscow said. “Exercise increased caution due to the risk of wrongful detentions.” “Do not travel to Russia,” the embassy said. American citizens have received several warnings to leave Russia. President Vladimir Putin issued the most recent such public warning in September following a partial mobilization.
Russian security services have arrested U.S. citizens on spurious charges, singled out U.S. citizens in Russia for detention and harassment
“Russian security services have arrested U.S. citizens on spurious charges, singled out U.S. citizens in Russia for detention and harassment, denied them fair and transparent treatment, and convicted them in secret trials or without presenting credible evidence,” the embassy said. “Russian authorities arbitrarily enforce local laws against U.S. citizen religious workers and have opened questionable criminal investigations against U.S. citizens engaged in religious activity.” The Federal Security Service (FSB) reported in January that Russia has started a criminal investigation into a citizen of the United States on suspicion of espionage.
