US Govt: Americans in Russia Should Leave 'Immediately'

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Feb 13, 2023

Image copyright: AFP via The Epoch Timesstory last updated Feb 13, 2023

The Facts

Ahead of Russia's reported upcoming new round of military mobilization, the US Embassy is urging Americans in Russia to leave immediately — citing an elevated risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws and harassment, and the possibility of being conscripted to fight in the war against Ukraine.
US authorities warn that it may get increasingly difficult for Americans to leave Russia, as US credit and debit cards continue to not work in the country and the US government's ability to help becomes "severely limited."

The Spin

Anti-Russia narrative

The situation in Russia has been dangerous for a while and will likely continue to worsen as the country prepares for a second mobilization of troops to fight in Ukraine. Americans have been told to leave Russia for several months now, and if they choose not to leave, there is very little the US government can do to help them.

Express

Pro-Russia narrative

These warnings that Russia "may do this" and "may do that" are nothing new, and the US government's inability to help its citizens leave is due to its own budgetary cutbacks. The fearmongering over banking issues is also not new, as they are the result of economic sanctions similar to those imposed on Moscow by the West. As was the case months ago, these are empty fear tactics with no evidence behind them.