The State Division has issued a journey advisory warning that Moscow "could single out and detain U.S. residents in Russia" and repeating earlier warnings for Individuals to not journey to the nation.
The warning was "because of the unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine by Russian army forces" in addition to the potential for harassment of U.S. residents by Russian authorities, the journey advisory stated, repeating requires Individuals touring or dwelling in Russia to depart "instantly."
It comes days after a U.S. diplomat was in a position to go to detained basketball star Brittney Griner, who has been held in Russian custody for greater than a month.
Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and WNBA champion, was detained at a Moscow airport on February 17 on fees of carrying vape cartridges that contained hashish oil in her baggage.
After being apprehended, Griner was instantly positioned in a detention middle, and final week a Russian court docket prolonged her arrest till Might 19. She faces as much as 10 years in jail.
The arrest got here as relations between Moscow and the West hit all-time low over Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The Biden administration has led the Western response to the invasion, leveling unprecedented sanctions in opposition to Moscow and funneling weapons and assist to Kyiv.
The State Division warning identified that, "U.S. residents ought to notice that U.S. credit score and debit playing cards not work in Russia, and choices to electronically switch funds from america are extraordinarily restricted because of sanctions imposed on Russian banks. There are stories of money shortages inside Russia.
"Restricted business flight choices and overland routes by automobile and bus are nonetheless open and accessible. Should you want to depart Russia, it is best to make preparations by yourself as quickly as doable. The U.S. Embassy has extreme limitations on its means to help U.S. residents, and circumstances, together with transportation choices, could all of the sudden change into much more restricted. U.S. residents who're in a position to depart Russia for one more nation and are in want of emergency help upon arrival could contact a U.S. embassy or consulate in that nation."