The US government issued an extensive warning, urging Americans to avoid traveling to Russia because of the terrorist threat, as well as "harassment, improper treatment and extortion by law enforcement agencies and other officials".
The sharp wording of the State Department warning refers to Russia as a whole and has appeared in a period that the US and Russian authorities characterize as the worst in bilateral relations after the "cold war".
"Reconsider the expediency of traveling to Russia because of the threat of terrorism and persecution," the State Department urged the Americans, adding that some regions of the Russian Federation are zones of "increased risk".
The foreign policy department attributed to them the North Caucasus, including Chechnya and Mount Elbrus, because of civil unrest and the threat of terrorism, as well as the annexed Crimean peninsula due to foreign occupation and abuse of the occupation authorities.
"Terrorist groups continue to plot possible attacks in Russia," the State Department said.. - Terrorists can attack almost without warning or without warning, choosing destinations, transport hubs, markets, shopping centers and local government agencies. Warnings about the threats of explosions in public places are common ".
The recommendations do not specify the source of this information.
But even without considering the terrorist threat, Russia is still a dangerous place from the point of view of the State Department.
"US citizens are often victims of harassment, improper treatment or extortion by law enforcement and other officials," the recommendations say.. - The provision of US consular assistance to detained citizens is often unjustifiably delayed because of the actions of the Russian authorities. Russia also applies special restrictions for persons who have dual citizenship of the US and Russia. Because of the reduction in diplomatic personnel imposed by Russia, the US government's ability to provide services to American citizens has declined ".
The North Caucasus and the Crimea deserve special mention in the recommendations. Regarding these regions, the State Department unconditionally calls on Americans: "Do not go there! "" Civil unrest and terrorist attacks continue throughout the entire North Caucasus, including Chechnya, North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Dagestan, the Stavropol Territory, Karachaevo-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria, "the State Department said.. - Local gangs kidnap American citizens and other foreigners for ransom. There are reliable reports of arrests, torture and extrajudicial executions of gays in Chechnya, which are allegedly committed by Chechen regional authorities ".
The State Department warns Americans against attempts to climb Mount Elbrus, "since travelers must pass near unstable and insecure regions of the North Caucasus".
As for the Crimea, the State Department noted the increased Russian military presence in this Ukrainian territory.
"The Russian Federation is likely to take further military steps in the Crimea in the framework of its occupation of this part of Ukraine," the recommendations say.. - The international community, including the US and Ukraine, does not recognize the undertaken annexation of the Crimea. The occupation authorities in the Crimea continue to abuse aliens and the local population, especially those who challenge their authority on the peninsula ".
The US Department of State notes that the US government can not provide urgent services to US citizens coming to the Crimea, since American government employees are not allowed to travel to the Crimea.
If, contrary to the recommendations of the Americans decide to go to Russia, the State Department encourages them to avoid demonstrations, monitor urgent media reports and adjust plans in accordance with information in the news.
Americans are also encouraged to remain vigilant in places popular with Westerners, and subscribe to State Department accounts on Facebook and Twitter.
Source: Voice of America.