A health advisory from the White House National Security Council today drew renewed attention to travel safety in Russia. In a statement covered by CNN, John Kirby, the strategic communications coordinator for the NSC, urged all Americans, including journalists, to leave Russia as soon as possible. The guidance underscored caution for U.S. travelers and media personnel regardless of the purpose of their visit.
According to the briefing, U.S. citizens should depart Russia immediately, whether their trip is for work, journalism, personal reasons, or study. The directive highlighted a broad safety stance and emphasized urgency in making arrangements to exit the country. The message was shared in the context of ongoing confirmation that travel should be limited amid evolving safety concerns. (Source: White House)
As Kirby stated, anyone in Russia—whether for business, leisure, or any other purpose—should plan to depart promptly. The emphasis was on acting now to ensure personal safety and access to consular support if needed. (Source: White House)
In commentary surrounding the arrest of a prominent American journalist, Anthony Blinken, the former U.S. Secretary of State, reinforced the call for Americans in Russia to leave the country. Reports from The Wall Street Journal noted the broader implications for U.S. media personnel in Russian territory. (Source: White House)
Responding to the White House guidance, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, offered a pointed response. Her remarks mirrored the ongoing tension between Washington and Moscow while acknowledging the formal calls for U.S. citizens to exit. (Source: Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)