The United States has called on its citizens to leave Russia immediately because of the war in Ukraine and the risk of arbitrary arrest or harassment by Russian law enforcement agencies.

“US citizens residing in or traveling to Russia should depart immediately,” the US embassy in Moscow announced. “Increased caution is needed because of the risk of arbitrary arrests.” The embassy stressed Americans should refrain from travelling to Russia.

The US has repeatedly warned its citizens to leave Russia. The previous such public warning came in September after President Vladimir Putin ordered a partial mobilisation.

“Russian security services have arrested US citizens on false charges, singled out US citizens for arrest and harassment, denied them fair and transparent treatment, and sentenced them in secret trials or without presenting credible evidence,” the embassy claimed.

“Russian authorities are arbitrarily enforcing local laws against US citizens who work in religious organizations and have begun questionable criminal investigations against US citizens with religious activity,” he added.

Russia has prosecuted a US citizen on suspicion of espionage, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) announced in January.

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