US updates ‘do not travel’ warning for major world power, urges Americans to leave immediately

The State Department has updated its travel warning for Americans planning to travel to Russia or already visiting Russia. On Tuesday, the agency reissued the Level 4 travel warning for Russia that was announced in May.

As part of the warning, the State Department urged any Americans already in Russia to leave immediately. The agency warns that there are limited resources available to assist Americans if they are detained in Russia. Furthermore, Americans accused of crimes may not be able to get help from the US embassy while detained in Russia.

“US citizens can serve their entire prison sentences without parole. The risk of US citizens being wrongfully incarcerated remains high. There is no guarantee of release even if a case is convicted.”

Americans have reported being detained and interrogated without reason or credible evidence against them.

The State Department also warns that the ongoing military conflict between Russia and Ukraine has “destabilized the security of southwestern Russia.” Martial law has been declared in many regions of Russia, further restricting freedom in the country.

US officials have warned that Russia will not recognize dual citizenship with Russia. The agency goes on to claim:

• Russia has barred US consular officials from visiting detained US-Russian citizens.

• The Russian government has forced people with dual citizenship to join the military and barred them from leaving the country.

• In 2022, Russia began drafting citizens for the war in Ukraine. The military draft continues.

• Failure to comply with Russian laws and regulations regarding dual citizenship may result in arrest.

Although the warning says to leave Russia immediately, this may be difficult for some. US-issued debit and credit cards no longer work in Russia and sanctions have made it “almost impossible” for electronic money transfers to be sent from the US.

Air travel is also extremely difficult to secure at this time and may not be possible at short notice.

“If you intend to leave Russia, you should make your own travel plans. The U.S. Embassy can provide limited assistance to U.S. citizens seeking to leave. Transportation options may become more limited at any time,” the advisory read.

Americans should decide whether to visit or stay in Russia, the State Department advises:

• Be prepared for the possibility of detention for an unknown amount of time, possibly for no apparent reason, and without the ability to contact your embassy or anyone else for help.

• Assume that all electronic communications and devices in Russia are monitored by Russian security services. Russian security services have arrested US citizens and other foreign nationals based on information found on electronic devices.

• Prepare a will and designate the appropriate insurance beneficiary or power of attorney.

• Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones so they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return to the United States as planned. Review this list of documents to prepare for your trip.

• Discuss a plan with loved ones for the care and custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.

• Leave the DNA samples with your medical provider in case your family needs to access them.

• Develop a communication plan with family, your employer or host organization. List how and when you confirm (text or call) that you are safe. Specify how often you will do this.

For more information about the warning, visit the State Department’s website.

Read the original article at mlive.com.