The United States on Monday called on its nationals to leave Russia “immediately” and not travel there, citing risks of harassment and wrongful detention for Americans in particular. “Do not travel to Russia due to the unpredictable consequences of the large-scale and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces, the potential for harassment and the detention of U.S. citizens by U.S. security agents. Russian government, arbitrary local law enforcement, limited flights to and from Russia, the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia, and the possibility of terrorism,” the alert said. by the US State Department. The warning marks the highest level (Level 4) of alerts issued by the State Department, which ranges from exercising precaution to halting all travel. This warning comes as the war in Ukraine approaches its first anniversary (February 24) and amid fears of a new major offensive by Russian troops. The United States had called on its citizens to leave the country just days after the start of the war. The warning against wrongful detentions follows the high-profile prisoner swap of Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout for US basketball star Brittney Griner. Former US Marine Paul Whelan is still being held by Moscow for espionage. With MAP Return button to the top of the page By continuing to browse, you accept the use of cookies in order to produce audience statistics and offer you services, content or advertising adapted to your centers of interest.OK Find out more