The United States recommended that American citizens leave Russia immediately due to the war in Ukraine and the risk of arbitrary arrest or harassment by Russian law enforcement.

“U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Russia must leave the country immediately,” the U.S. embassy in Moscow said. “Increased caution due to risk of illegal bookings.”

“Don’t go to Russia,” the embassy said.

The US has repeatedly urged its citizens to leave Russia. The last such public warning was in September, after President Vladimir Putin ordered a partial mobilization.

“Russian intelligence agencies have arrested American citizens on false charges, discriminated against American citizens in Russia with detention and harassment, denied them fair and transparent treatment, and sentenced them in secret trials or without providing credible evidence,” the embassy said.

“Russian authorities arbitrarily enforce local laws against U.S. citizen religious leaders and have launched questionable criminal investigations into U.S. citizens involved in religious activities.”

Russia has opened a criminal case against a US citizen on suspicion of espionage, the Federal Security Service (FSB) said in January.

Source: Reuters.