The United States is urging all Americans currently in Russia to leave as soon as possible, escalating an already severe warning to travelers about the Eastern European country’s safety.
US citizens who remain in Russia are at risk of being ‘harassed or incarcerated’ by the Kremlin’s law enforcement forces, a new State Department advisory said on Sunday.
People who hold both American and Russian citizenship could be forced to participate in Vladimir Putin‘s invasion of Ukraine, the State Department indicated.
The brutal attack is in its twelfth month. Kyiv‘s forces will have been defending their land against Moscow’s troops for a year on February 24.
The latest American advisory pinpointed the war as the main source of concern.
‘In September, the Russian government mobilized citizens to the armed forces in support of its invasion of Ukraine,’ the statement read.
‘Russia may refuse to acknowledge dual nationals’ U.S. citizenship, deny their access to U.S. consular assistance, subject them to mobilization, prevent their departure from Russia, and/or conscript them.’
It also cautions Americans who are still in Russia against participating in ‘all political or social protests’ regarding the war or anything else ‘and not photograph security personnel at these events.’
‘Russian authorities have arrested U.S. citizens who have participated in demonstrations,’ the message stated.
The U.S. government is also severely limited in the help it can provide to Americans abroad in Russia, noting there are few available commercial flight options and that sanctions have made it harder to obtain financial assistance.
‘U.S. citizens should note that U.S. 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,’ the notice said.
Additionally, the State Department accused Russia of arresting American citizens and failing to notify U.S. officials of their detention, as well as targeting Americans engaging in ‘religious activity.’
‘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,’ it said.
‘Furthermore, 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.’
New legislation passed under Putin also reportedly allows the government to crack down on anyone perceived to be ‘acting against Russia’s interests, including engaging with foreign and international entities, discrediting the Russian state or military, as well as advocating for the rights of LGBTQI+ persons.’
The chilling warning comes amid concerns that Russia is launching a new offensive wave against its Eastern European neighbor.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters in Brussels on Monday morning that it’s already begun.
‘The reality is we have seen the start [of a renewed Russian offensive] already because we see now what Russia does now – President Putin does now – is to send thousands and thousands more troops, accepting a very high rate of casualty,’ Stoltenberg said.
It comes the same day as a fresh and brutal attack on the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut.
Reports of heavy shelling in and around the city have persisted as Russia’s Wagner Group mercenaries lead Moscow’s offensive in the region.
SOURCE: dailymail.co.uk
