Russia Warns Citizens to Avoid Traveling Abroad
On December 11, Russia advised its citizens to avoid traveling to the United States, Canada, and most European Union nations. The warning was made by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova at a news briefing.
Zakharova said that trips to these countries are fraught with serious risks due to increasing tensions between Russia and the West. She specifically mentioned that travel to the US is particularly hazardous. This move reflects the further deterioration of relations between Russia and the West since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The warning was issued because of what Zakharova called “increasing confrontation” in Russian-American relations, which are at risk of breaking down completely due to Washington’s actions. She also alleged that Russians traveling abroad may face harassment or detention by Western authorities.
This is not the first time Russia has escalated its rhetoric against the US. In November, Russia responded angrily after Washington gave Ukraine permission to attack targets inside Russia with long-range US weapons. This led Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to threaten the US with updates in Russia’s nuclear doctrine.
Russia has also arrested and imprisoned dozens of American citizens, many of whom are serving lengthy sentences or awaiting trial. The US government accuses Russia of using these arrests as leverage for future prisoner swaps.
The US State Department also warns its citizens against traveling to Russia due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Americans may face harassment, detention, or other problems when visiting Russia.