US warns Americans against travelling to Russia, could be arrested on 'spurious charges'

US State Department on Tuesday released a fresh visory for Americans against travelling to Russia. In a statement, authorities upped its 'risk indicator', saying that US citizens planning a trip to Russia could be "wrongfully detained" by Moscow on "spurious charges." It furr emphasised that Americans travelling to Russia could also face arbitrary enforcement of local law.

authorities also warned that re is a potential for harassment against "singled out" Americans by Russian security officials. visory listed a number of reasons why US citizens must avoid travelling to Russia, foremost being "unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces." Furr, absence of a proper flight facility and limited assistance from non-operational US embassy in Moscow could also d to woes of those mulling visits.

" Department has determined that at least one U.S. national is wrongfully detained by Russian government. Russian security services have arrested U.S. citizens on spurious charges, singled out U.S. citizens in Russia for detention and/or harassment, denied m fair and transparent treatment, and have convicted m in secret trials and/or without presenting credible evidence," US State Department visory said in a comprehensive visory.  

Furr, US State Department also stressed that inoperable US debit and credit cards in Russia could contribute to plight of stranded American citizens. "Options to electronically transfer funds from United States are extremely limited as a result of sanctions imposed on Russian banks. re are reports of cash shortages within Russia," visory highlighted.

Urging to exercise increased caution, US also appealed to American residents in Russia to depart immediately using overland routes by cars and buses in case unable to avail flights.

Dubbing situation along Russia-Ukraine border "dangerous and unpredictable," State Department noted that several countries have suspended flights in and out of Russia. In dition, numerous countries have also shut down airspace for Russian flights leaving very limited access to depart from Russia. US also vised Americans against travelling by land anywhere near Ukraine border.

Moscow 'laying groundwork' to capture more of Ukraine's land: US

Amid escalation of Moscow's war against Kyiv, Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby on Tuesday issued a worrisome warning, saying that Russia is planning to capture more strategic regions in Ukraine. dressing a press conference, Kirby detailed a report by US intelligence officials, which showed ample evidence to prove that Russia was drafting plans "out of rulebook." He ded that Moscow could force Ukraine to hold early elections by September for a "more concerted and strategic effort" for more territorial gains.

(Image: AP)