U.S. Embassy in Russia urges Americans to leave immediately

The U.S. Embassy in Russia is urging Americans to leave the country and to avoid traveling to Russia after President Vladimir Putin ordered a partial mobilization to draft soldiers to fight in Ukraine.

In a security alert published on Wednesday, the embassy said that Russia might prevent U.S. citizens from leaving the country.

Additionally, dual nationals might be conscripted into military service. Russia might refuse to acknowledge the U.S. citizenship of dual nationals or prevent access to U.S. consular assistance, embassy officials said.

After Putin announced a call-up of reservists, many flights leaving Russia have become completely booked and prices have significantly increased. While flights leaving the country are extremely limited and often unavailable, land routes are still open, the U.S. Embassy said.

The embassy added that it is limited in its ability to help U.S. citizens and is urging people to make independent arrangements as soon as they can.

“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,” the security alert said.

The U.S. Embassy also warned U.S. citizens against participating in the protests that popped up after Putin’s announcement.

“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. Russian authorities have arrested U.S. citizens who have participated in demonstrations,” the embassy added.