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Russia has warned its citizens to avoid traveling to the United States, Canada, and other European Union countries.
What’s the deal: In an announcement, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova warned Russian citizens against traveling to the United States and its allied nations, citing increased risks due to the deteriorating relations between Moscow and Washington. She said, “Our citizens have become the subject of hunting by American authorities and US special services.” Zakharova described the risks of traveling to these destinations, even for official purposes, as “fraught with serious risks.” Zakharova also referred to US allies as “satellites” and reiterated that heightened confrontation between the two nations has made international travel particularly dangerous for Russian citizens.
Russia’s announcement comes years after the United States issued its own warnings to Americans traveling to Russia, advising against such trips due to risks of harassment, arbitrary detention, and the selective enforcement of local laws. The US Department of State has regularly updated its travel advisories since the onset of heightened tensions over the Ukraine conflict, citing concerns that American citizens could be targeted based on their nationality. These concerns have been worsened by Russia’s detention of American journalists, whom Moscow claims are spies engaged in illegal activities. A prominent case involved Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was arrested on charges of espionage, a claim the United States and Gershkovich vehemently deny.
Growing issues: Tensions between Russia and the United States have continued to escalate, especially in the last month, with both nations trading blame for the deteriorating relationship. Russia has accused the Biden administration of pursuing aggressive policies that have brought bilateral ties to the brink, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov claiming Washington is deliberately increasing confrontation. Moscow has particularly criticized the US for its extensive military and financial support to Ukraine, framing it as a proxy war designed to weaken Russia.
Meanwhile, President Biden has consistently blamed Russia for initiating and prolonging the war in Ukraine, justifying US actions as necessary to defend international order and US interests. With President-elect Donald Trump preparing to take office, there is speculation about a possible shift in approach, as Trump has promised to resolve the Ukraine war quickly.
