The State Department has released a statement warning American citizens to leave Russia immediately, citing “unpredictable consequences” which could include detentions and detainments.
The State Department issued a level four travel advisory on Monday as war rages on in Ukraine.
“U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Russia should depart immediately,” the travel advisory reads. “Exercise increased caution due to the risk of wrongful detentions.”
“The potential for harassment and the singling out of U.S. citizens for detention by Russian government security officials, the arbitrary enforcement of local law, limited flights into and out of Russia, the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia, and the possibility of terrorism.”
The most famous example of a detainment likely stemming from geopolitical motivations is that of WNBA player Brittney Griner, who was recently swapped by Russia in exchange for the “Merchant of Death,” Viktor Bout.
Griner received a nine-year prison sentence after being detained for carrying a vape cartridge through security at a Russian airport, and was sent to a penal colony until the United States’ costly arms dealer swap.
U.S. Marine veteran Paul Whelan, who was imprisoned on ‘baseless’ espionage charges per the Associated Press, was left in Russia, despite being locked up longer than Griner.
RELATED: Marine Paul Whelan SLAMS Biden Administration for Failing to Secure His Release
The Daily Wire reports that Russia’s government has shrugged off the State Department’s newest travel advisory warning Americans of wrongful detainments.
“This is not a new thing,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
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