Ukraine Invasion: U.S Tells Citizens To Leave Russia Immediately

United States of America, USA has told its citizens to consider leaving Russia immediately on commercial flights, the State Department announced.

The US issued a security alert on the website of US Embassy in Moscow, citing the increasing number of airlines canceling flights and countries closing their airspace to Russia after its invasion of Ukraine.

“An increasing number of airlines are canceling flights into and out of Russia, and numerous countries have closed their airspace to Russian airlines.

“U.S. citizens should consider departing Russia immediately via commercial options still available,” said a security alert dated Feb. 27 on the website of U.S. embassy in Moscow.

The US State Department also kept its travel advisory for Russia at “Level 4: Do Not Travel”, urging its citizens not to travel to Russia due to the tension, warning that there is a potential for harassment of US citizens at the border.

Further explanation on the level 4 travel advisory stated, “Do not travel to Russia due to ongoing tension along the border with Ukraine, the potential for harassment against U.S. citizens, the embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia, COVID-19 and related entry restrictions, terrorism, harassment by Russian government security officials and the arbitrary enforcement of local law.”

The US embassy also told its nationals based in Russia, amid the ongoing crisis, to stay alert in locations frequented by tourists and Westerners, notifying friends and family of their safety and carrying proper identification.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Thursday, which has been widely condemned, is the biggest assault on a European State since World War Two.

The Ukraine invasion has led to loss of many lives, with at least 1,500 persons fleeing Ukraine for safety.

The U.S. and European governments have since imposed sanctions on Russian banks and financial institutions.