The United States government once again unequivocally calls on US citizens to leave Russia immediately. The presence of Americans in Russia is deeply concerning, said John Kirby, Communications Director of the National Security Council in the White House.
The background is the apparently arbitrary arrest of the "Wall Street Journal" journalist Evan Gershkovich by Russian authorities (stern reported). They accuse him of spying for the United States. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison. The newspaper and the US government rejected the allegations. "We also condemn the Russian government's continued persecution and repression of journalists and freedom of the press," the White House said in a statement. US President Joe Biden addressed the Kremlin directly: "Release him!"
"Do not travel to Russia because of the unpredictable consequences of the attack on Ukraine," warns the U.S. State Department Americans. There is a "risk of unlawful arrest". In addition, the ability of the US Embassy to help citizens is severely limited. Anyone who lives or travels in Russia should "leave immediately".
The Federal Foreign Office (AA) in Berlin also keeps an eye on the situation in Russia for German citizens. The travel and safety advice for the country was last updated on Friday. The clear notice applies: "Travel to the Russian Federation is not recommended." There is "the danger of arbitrary arrests."
"If you are currently in the Russian Federation, consider whether your presence is mandatory. If not, consider leaving," the AA recommends. There is also an official travel warning for the regions of Russia bordering Ukraine. The Foreign Office also speaks of limited consular protection for German nationals in Russia.
According to the AA, anyone who absolutely wants or has to travel to Russia has to be prepared for numerous difficulties. It starts with the entry. Trains and ferries do not run and there are no longer any direct flights from Germany. Many Russian airports are closed.
Further hurdles are lurking in the country, which are also due to the sanctions against Russia: German credit cards do not work, it is also not possible to withdraw cash from ATMs, the same applies to transfers from the EU.
Added to this is the tense security situation in parts of Russia. The authorities have declared a state of emergency in several regions on the border with Ukraine. According to the AA, there is also an ever-present risk of terrorism, but also the danger of becoming a victim of everyday crime: pickpocketing, fraud, robberies.
It is also clear that travelers in Russia should refrain from commenting on Putin's policies: "Both private and business critical statements about current political developments in all social media can be associated with unpredictable personal risks. Extreme restraint is advised."
Sources: U.S. State Department, Foreign Office, DPA News Agency
