The U.S. Embassy in Moscow has issued a recommendation for American citizens currently in Russia to depart promptly due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the potential for arbitrary detention or harassment by Russian law enforcement.
The conflict in Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022, has led to violence and attacks in cities across the country. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has documented over 7,100 civilian deaths in Ukraine as of February 2023. This, according to Reuters, has also resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis, with over nine million Ukrainians fleeing to Poland as of January 2023 and others seeking refuge in Russia, Hungary, and Romania.
The U.S. Embassy has also reported instances of U.S. citizens being arrested by Russian security services on questionable charges and subjected to detention, harassment, and secret trials without credible evidence. The embassy has also reported instances of Russian authorities arbitrarily enforcing local laws against U.S. citizens participating in religious activities and opening questionable criminal investigations against them. The Federal Security Service of Russia announced in January that a criminal case had been opened against a U.S. citizen on suspicion of espionage.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has had a significant impact on the global economy, disrupting trade and leading to a decrease in investment in the region. The uncertainty surrounding the war has also contributed to a decline in consumer confidence, causing a decrease in spending. This, in turn, has led to a decrease in production and employment, impacting local economies. For instance, the Ukrainian economy contracted by 3.3% in 2022 as a direct result of the conflict.
