US Embassy Warning: Americans Should Leave Russia ‘Immediately’

A file photo taken July 31, 2017, of the U.S. embassy building in Moscow. Mladen Antonov/AFP via Getty Images

The U.S. Embassy in Moscow issued a security alert on Wednesday morning that called on American citizens to leave Russia immediately while it’s still possible to leave the country.

The Embassy alert made reference to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s speech that called for partial mobilization of Russian men who will be sent to Ukraine.

“Russia may refuse to acknowledge dual nationals’ U.S. citizenship, deny their access to U.S. consular assistance, prevent their departure from Russia, and conscript dual nationals for military service,” the alert said. It did not provide any specific examples.

And it added that “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.”

As of Wednesday, commercial flights out of Russia are “extremely limited” and are often not available, the Embassy alert said, adding that bus routes via car and bus remain open. At the same time, U.S. citizens are advised not to travel to Russia.

“If you wish to depart Russia, you should make independent arrangements as soon as possible,” the alert said. “The U.S. Embassy has severe limitations on its ability to assist U.S. citizens, and conditions, including transportation options, may suddenly become even more limited.”

Bulgaria and Poland on Tuesday also recommended that their citizens consider immediately leaving Russia and called on them to refrain from traveling to the country.

There have been reports claiming that Russia’s borders will be closed down to men of fighting age in the near future as tens of thousands of people have left the country following last week’s speech. Moscow has not issued a public comment on those reports, and The Epoch Times cannot independently verify them.

Russian authorities have also allegedly arrested U.S. citizens participating in protests against the Ukraine conflict, according to the embassy.

“We remind U.S. citizens that the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are not guaranteed in Russia. Avoid all political or social protests and do not photograph security personnel at these events,” the advisory stated.

It comes as some European leaders and experts on Wednesday pointed to possible sabotage given the energy standoff with Russia. The three leaks were reported on the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, which were filled with natural gas but were not delivering the fuel to Europe.

“All available information indicates those leaks are the result of a deliberate act,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a statement on behalf of the bloc’s 27 members. “Any deliberate disruption of European energy infrastructure is utterly unacceptable and will be met with a robust and united response.”

The Epoch Times has contacted the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for comment.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.