U.S. Embassy Advises Americans in Russia to Consider Leaving Country 'Immediately'

The U.S. Embassy in Russia issued a warning to Americans in the country Sunday, advising them to consider leaving “immediately” due to the limited number of arriving and departing flights, CNN reports.

“An increasing number of airlines are cancelling flights into and out of Russia, and numerous countries have closed their airspace to Russian airlines,” the embassy said in the advisory. “U.S. citizens should consider departing Russia immediately via commercial options still available.”

“The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens that the Department of State’s Travel Advisory level for Russia is at ‘Level 4: Do Not Travel,’” the advisory continued. The Level 4 travel advisory designation is in regards to the “ongoing tension along the border with Ukraine,” and “the embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia,” among other reasons, per People.

After being stationed along the Ukrainian border, Russian troops invaded Ukraine under the guise of a “special military operation” authorized by president Vladimir Putin. U.S. President Joe Biden labeled the invasion a “premeditated attack” and condemned Putin’s orders, saying the world will “hold Russia accountable.”

The United States, United Kingdom, and European Union have issued wide-ranging sanctions in an attempt to financially cripple Russia, including targeting major Russian banks, such as VTB, Alfa Bank, and Bank Otkritie, and banning the country from involvement in Swift, a global network that connects about 11,000 banks around the world and helps provide a smooth transfer of money.