Earlier today, the U.S. Embassy in Moscow issued a stern notice to Americans living or visiting Russia, or who are planning to travel there:
"'U.S. citizens residing or travelling in Russia should depart immediately,' the U.S. embassy in Moscow said. "Exercise increased caution due to the risk of wrongful detentions.'
'Do not travel to Russia,' it added.
'Russian security services have arrested U.S. citizens on spurious charges, singled out U.S. citizens in Russia for detention and harassment, denied them fair and transparent treatment, and convicted them in secret trials or without presenting credible evidence,' the embassy said." (our emphasis)
In addition to the Kremlin's vicious and criminal war in Ukraine, it's hard to fathom -- with random harassment, sanctions in place and the Russian economy faltering -- why any American would want to stay or go there. Perhaps pro-Putin stooges like Tucker "Tovarich" Carlson, Steve "Loose Cannon" Bannon or Rep. Marjorie "Traitor" Greene would go, but normal people no.
The arrests of Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan (who shamefully remains jailed) should have made it clear that Putin is looking for hostages to trade for his espionage agents, arms dealers and others. This notice is welcome but months too late.
