Iruni Kalupahana JadeTimes Staff
I. Kalupahana is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Russia-Ukraine war
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a stark warning to its citizens against traveling to the United States and other Western nations.
Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova highlighted the heightened risks stemming from deteriorating US-Russia relations, which she described as "on the verge of rupture."
She warned that Russian citizens could face hostile treatment or even detention in Western countries, including the US, Canada, and European Union nations, which she referred to as American "satellites."
The warning comes as the US has consistently warned its citizens against traveling to Russia, citing the risks of harassment, arbitrary detention, or targeted enforcement of local laws due to their nationality.
Relations between the two countries have also been further strained by the major support of the US towards Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
The US has so far provided $62 billion in military aid to Ukraine and recently approved the use of long range tactical missiles, which Moscow slammed as a dangerous escalation.
Both countries have accused each other of politically motivated detentions. Among the notable exchanges was one brokered by Turkiye in August, in which Russia released three Americans, including journalist Evan Gershkovich, in exchange for the US releasing several Russians convicted of cybercrimes and fraud.
As tensions rise, travel warnings and retaliatory measures reflect the broader geopolitical rift, underscoring how difficult diplomacy is in an increasingly polarized international landscape.
Comments