Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Moscow has routinely advised Americans living in Russia to take safety precautions.
In February 2023, the State Department ordered all U.S. citizens in Russia to leave immediately.
"U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Russia should depart immediately," the U.S. embassy in Moscow warned. "Exercise increased caution due to the risk of wrongful detentions."
In a stark message, the department also said, "Do not travel to Russia."
All Americans have been warned to find a way out of the country immediately and reminded that U.S. debit or credit cards do not work in Russia, and the electronic transfer of funds has become increasingly difficult due to sanctions.
"Russian security services have arrested U.S. citizens on spurious charges, singled out U.S. citizens in Russia for detention and harassment, denied them fair and transparent treatment, and convicted them in secret trials or without presenting credible evidence," the embassy added.