The USA urges its citizens to leave Russia immediately: what the State Department advises.

According to ТСН: The U.S. State Department has updated its recommendations for American citizens, urging them to leave Russia immediately. Diplomats emphasize the high risk of arbitrary detention, torture, and lack of consular support.

The document states that Americans can be detained by Russian authorities without any reason and for an indefinite period. The State Department warns that all electronic devices and communications in Russia are monitored by security services. Americans are advised to log out of social media accounts before crossing the border, as any information stored on devices could be a reason for arrest.

A list of recommendations 'in case of the unavoidable'

For those who still decide to visit Russia despite the warnings, the State Department has prepared a list of critical measures that resemble preparing for a dangerous situation.

“Prepare a will and designate appropriate beneficiaries for insurance or a trusted person. Share important documents, login data, and contact information with loved ones so they can manage your affairs if you cannot return to the U.S. as planned. Discuss with loved ones a plan for the care and custody of children, pets, property, belongings, and illiquid assets (collections, artworks, etc.). Take care of your own funeral arrangements,” the recommendations published by the State Department state.

Limited embassy capabilities

Washington acknowledges that the U.S. Embassy in Moscow has extremely limited resources. Russia does not guarantee consular access to detainees, so citizens are advised to have their own evacuation plans independent of government assistance. The reasons for this escalation are the prolonged war against Ukraine, the arbitrary application of local laws, and the threat of terrorism on Russian territory.

The Russian government has also appealed to the United States to stop pursuing an oil tanker heading to Venezuela under the Russian flag to avoid seizure by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Additionally, the day before, the Finnish border guard detained a vessel that had departed from the port in St. Petersburg, Russia, on suspicion of damaging underwater cables in the Baltic Sea.

It is worth noting that the recommendations of the U.S. Department of State indicate serious concern regarding the safety of Americans in Russia. The current situation is not only related to the threats of detention but also in the broader context of relations between the U.S. and Russia, which continue to deteriorate amid military and political conflicts. U.S. citizens, even those planning travels, should be especially cautious and proactive in ensuring their own safety.