US Embassy warns Americans about threats in Moscow, St. Petersburg

 

MOSCOW, Russia - The U.S. Embassy in Russia has issued a security warning regarding possible threats to Americans in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

The warning stated, "According to media sources, there have been threats of attacks against shopping centers, railway and metro stations, and other public gathering places in major urban areas, including Moscow and St. Petersburg, as well as in areas of heightened tension along the Russian border with Ukraine.

The embassy also encouraged Americans to "avoid crowds, review your personal security plans, carry proper identification, including a U.S. passport with a current Russian visa, and have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance."

Following a tense weekend, amidst conflicting narratives about whether Vladimir Putin will decide to invade Ukraine, President Joe Biden convened a meeting of the National Security Council and spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron.

According to a statement from lyse Palace, Macron and Putin spoke by phone and agreed on "the need to prioritize a diplomatic solution to the current crisis."

Macron also spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.