US Department of State Issued A Russian Federation Travel Warning

The United States Department of State has recently issued a very important travel warning regarding US citizens traveling in and around Russia. Largely due to the ongoing hostilities between Russia and Ukraine. Due to the likelihood of combat between groups that favor Russia and the Ukrainian forces, the US Department of State is warning all individuals. Individuals who wish to travel throughout these areas of the world to proceed with extreme caution.

This new alert is designed to replace a similar travel alert made on June 12, 2014. It contains updated information regarding the situation along the Russian border and is in full effect until October 21, 2014.

The US government presently has little to no information about active clashes. Clashes taking place inside Russia that are a specific threat to US citizens. However, it is important for citizens who are traveling inside Russia or plan to travel along the border to take caution.

Conflict Areas

Districts in the warning include those that immediately border parts of Ukraine. These Districts include areas like Rostov Oblasts, Krasnodar Krai, Kursk, Voronezh, Belgorod and some parts of the region of Bryansk.

Due to the tensions that are at length in the travel warning, citizens should be aware that their safety and security may be at risk. Especially, if they are traveling in and around these regions and also if living in them as well.

The Russian government recently declared a state of emergency. The state of emergency is in effect for the Rostov Oblast area of the country. Which immediately borders Ukraine. Due to the nature of the situation and the fact that it is very volatile and unpredictable. Any US citizens should avoid the area as the situation could change suddenly and without warning. Arm Pro-Russian individuals are allegedly traveling illegally across the border and into Ukraine.

This has the potential to increase the total number of clashes that are reported. It could even pose an increased risk for kidnapping, hostage-taking and similar types of situations.

Additionally, there have been reports of heavy artillery falling inside the Russian border. As a result, the United States Department of State heavily advises against traveling by land through this region, especially if someone is trying to get from Russia to Ukraine or vice versa.

It is also important to note that all flight operations by US airlines have been suspended. This is the result of the downing of the Malaysian Airlines flight earlier in July.