The US has asked its citizens to leave Russia immediately.
According to the Reuters news agency, the United States has issued this directive in view of the fear of harassment and arrest of its citizens in Russia by Russian security agencies.
The American Embassy in Moscow said on Monday that “Americans living in or traveling to Russia should leave here immediately.”
“The risk of wrongful detention has increased. Do not travel to Russia.
It should be noted that the United States has been issuing warnings to its citizens regarding leaving Russia even before.
In September last year, the United States issued such a warning.
The US Embassy in Russia alleged in its statement that “Russian security services have arrested American citizens on false charges.” They have specifically targeted Americans for harassment and detention.
“The detained Americans were not treated fairly and transparently.” They were subjected to secret trials without solid evidence.
The U.S. Embassy has alleged that “Russian authorities are continuing to conduct investigations against American religious activists that are questionable under local law.”
Last month, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) said that Russia has opened a criminal case against the American citizen on suspicion of espionage.