U.S. State Department says Americans should depart Russia “immediately”

The United States Department of State is advising U.S. citizens staying in Russia to leave the country immediately.

That’s according to the relevant travel advisory update issued March 5, Ukrinform reports.

The new warning for Americans is related to heightened fears over the security situation in Russia due to the Russian armed forces’ "unprovoked and unjustified attack" on Ukraine.

The State Department reports “the potential for harassment against U.S. citizens by Russian government security officials, the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia, COVID-19 and related entry restrictions, terrorism, limited flights into and out of Russia, and the arbitrary enforcement of local law. "

“U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Russia should depart immediately,” the travel advisory says.

Citizens should note that some credit and debit cards may be declined as a result of sanctions imposed on Russian banks, diplomats noted.

The U.S. State Department earlier released an expanded sanctions list, which included oligarchs and officials close to Vladimir Putin and heads of key companies. Restrictions have also been imposed against Russia’s oil and gas sectors.