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Relations between Russia and the United States have reached their most critical point since the 1962 missile crisis, according to diplomats from both nations.
In this context, the Russian government has issued a strong warning to its citizens, advising against travel to the United States, Canada, and several European Union countries, citing the risk of being "persecuted" by U.S. authorities, Reuters reported.
"In the context of the escalating confrontation in Russian-American relations, which are on the brink of breaking due to Washington's actions, travel to the United States, whether for personal reasons or official necessity, carries serious risks," stated Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at a press conference.
Zajárova urged against traveling to "the United States of America and its allied satellite states, including, first and foremost, Canada and, with some exceptions, the countries of the European Union," particularly during the upcoming holidays.
The deterioration of relations is reflected in mutual accusations between Moscow and Washington regarding unjust imprisonments and harassment of diplomats.
Currently, there are Russian citizens detained in the United States and dozens of Americans imprisoned in Russia, facing charges ranging from espionage to vandalism.
These tensions persist even after the largest prisoner exchange between both nations since the Cold War, which took place this year.
Zajárova also accused U.S. authorities of "hunting" Russian citizens, without providing specific details.
On his part, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stated to NBC News that Russia is open to considering another prisoner exchange, similar to the one involving Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich and former Marine Paul Whelan, Reuters pointed out.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin has accused the Biden administration of deliberately escalating tensions ahead of Donald Trump's reelection.
"It is clear that the current administration will continue down this path and will seek to leave this legacy. How and in what manner, we will see together," stated Dmitri Peskov, spokesperson for the Kremlin.
Amid the conflict in Ukraine, the tensions between the two powers reflect not only diplomatic and strategic clashes but also the massive support from the United States and its allies to Kyiv, amounting to hundreds of billions of dollars in weapons and aid.
Moscow, in contrast, accuses the West of using Ukraine as a pawn in a power struggle to weaken Russia.
This escalation of tensions marks a historic moment in bilateral relations, exacerbated by a prolonged war and an increasingly polarized international context. Kyiv rejects.
Frequently Asked Questions about Russian Government Travel Recommendations
Why is the Russian government advising against traveling to the United States?
The Russian government has advised its citizens not to travel to the United States due to escalating tensions between the two countries. According to Russian authorities, there is a risk of persecution by U.S. authorities in a context where diplomatic relations are at their most critical point since the Cuban missile crisis in 1962.
What additional countries are included in Russia's travel warning?
In addition to the United States, Russia has extended its travel warning to Canada and several countries in the European Union. These are considered "allied satellite states" of the United States, and the recommendation aims to protect Russian citizens from potential diplomatic or legal incidents during their visits.
What is the context behind the deterioration of relations between Russia and the United States?
The deterioration of relations between Russia and the United States is linked to multiple factors, including mutual accusations of unjust imprisonments, harassment of diplomats, and the prolonged war in Ukraine. The United States and its allies have provided massive support to Ukraine, while Russia accuses the West of using Ukraine as a pawn to weaken Moscow.
What has Russia said about possible prisoner exchanges with the United States?
Russia has expressed its willingness to consider another prisoner exchange with the United States. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov indicated that they are open to this possibility, as was previously the case with figures such as journalist Evan Gershkovich and former marine Paul Whelan.
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