US Embassy in Russia calls all of its citizens to leave country / News - Basketnews.com

US Embassy in Moscow called for its citizens to leave Russia due to Putin's mobilization. There are around 40 American basketball players currently under contract with Russian clubs.

Credit: BNS, Seffi Magriso/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images, Karolis Kavolelis - Scanpix Credit BNS, Seffi Magriso/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images, Karolis Kavolelis - Scanpix

On Wednesday, the United States Embassy in Moscow called all of its citizens to leave the country amid the beginning of the mobilization.

There are currently 29 American basketball players that are under contract with Russian VTB League clubs. Up to 15 players also play in the Superleague.

In addition, the statement says that Russia may refuse to acknowledge people's dual citizenships of the U.S., preventing their departure from Russia and conscripting them for military service.

It is still unclear how this will impact the athletes with U.S. citizenship who are currently in Russia.

The Embassy has also warned that U.S. citizens who were a part of demonstrations have been arrested, therefore advised to avoid taking part in political or social protests.

Full message from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow:

"On September 21, the Russian government began a mobilization of its citizens to the armed forces in support of its invasion of Ukraine. Russia may refuse to acknowledge dual nationals’ U.S. citizenship, deny their access to U.S. consular assistance, prevent their departure from Russia, and conscript dual nationals for military service.

Commercial flight options are extremely limited at present and are often unavailable on short notice. Overland routes by car and bus are still open. If you wish to depart Russia, you should make independent arrangements as soon as possible. The U.S. Embassy has severe limitations on its ability to assist U.S. citizens, and conditions, including transportation options, may suddenly become even more limited.

U.S. citizens should not travel to Russia and those residing or travelling in Russia should depart Russia immediately while limited commercial travel options remain. The Department of State provides information on commercial travel on the Information for U.S. Citizens in Russia – Travel Options Out of Russia page on travel.state.gov. This site also provides information on requirements for entering neighboring countries, procedures for travel on expired U.S. passports in some circumstances, and visa requirements for families with American and Russian citizen family members.

We remind U.S. citizens that the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are not guaranteed in Russia. Avoid all political or social protests and do not photograph security personnel at these events. Russian authorities have arrested U.S. citizens who have participated in demonstrations."

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