U.S. Embassy in Moscow Tells Americans to Leave Russia Posthaste

Moscow at night, as seen from the Four Seasons hotel there

The U.S. Embassy in Moscow, following the escalation of the war in Ukraine, warned American citizens residing in Russia of the need  to leave immediately.

The embassy also warned U.S. citizens not to travel to Russia as tourists and those visiting the country were told to depart immediately.

“U.S. citizens should not travel to Russia and those residing or traveling in Russia should depart Russia immediately while limited commercial travel options remain,” the embassy wrote in a security alert late last week.

The embassy further warned that Americans would have to “make independent arrangements” for their travel, and that commercial flight options were severely limited.  Overland routes by car and bus are still possible, it said.

Somewhat ominously, the embassy said that it has “severe limitations on its ability to assist U.S. citizens.”

Two weeks ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced an escalation of the war and partially mobilized the country’s reserve forces. He also mentioned that the country might resort to nuclear warfare.

.The embassy said that dual nationals with Russian citizenship were particularly at risk as Russia might not recognize their U.S. citizenship and might attempt to prevent their departure, limit or refuse access to U.S. consular services, or even conscript them into the Russian army.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)