Citing Russia's military mobilization, the US Embassy in Moscow warned on September 28 that Russian authorities could refuse to recognize people with dual Russian-American nationality and could refuse them access to US consulates. The Embassy has also warned that citizens of dual nationality could be prevented from leaving the country and taken to military service - RT reported.
The Russian government has clarified in a statement on its website that people with dual citizenship are considered Russian citizens, meaning they must fulfill their military service.
The US Embassy's message recommends that US citizens arrange to leave Russia as soon as possible, noting that the possibility of leaving is becoming increasingly difficult due to the overload of border checkpoints and extremely limited flights from Russia at this time.
The Embassy said the severe restrictions had affected the ability to provide US citizens, while conditions in Russia, including means of transport, could "isingly become more restrictive".
American citizens should not travel to Russia, residents or tourists in Russia should leave Russia immediately as long as travel options remain, the security warning wrote.
The US Embassy's warning came after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared partial military mobilization last week, aiming to mobilize about 300,000 reserve troops across the country to help control Russian-held areas and a 1,000km communication route with Kiev's forces in Ukraine.
After the announcement, many Russiaans of military age chose to leave the country to avoid the military. The sudden departure has led to chaos at border crossing stations with neighboring countries that do not require visas for Russia, such as Kazakhstan and Georgia. Flights from Russia to countries without visas have been sold out in recent days.
Senator Andrey Klimov, head of Russia's Statehood Protection Committee, affirmed that those who have decided to leave the country at this time will not face legal consequences, but will likely not be able to evade moral responsibility.
In a Telegram post on September 28, Sen. Klimov explained that according to the constitution, Russian citizens have the right to leave the country as long as they have no legal problems and do not violate any administrative or criminal laws.
He added that all those who left the country during the partial mobilization and did not violate any law could freely return to Russia at any time without facing any legal consequences, noting that Russia is a state that upholds the rule of law.
However, Mr. Klimov warned that some who flee abroad will not be able to avoid "serious moral responsibility". The nghi si wrote: No one can afford to make up for the benefits they missed and the losses they suffered when fleeing abroad in a hurry. Mr. Klimov doubted what luck "leaving the Fatherland in times of trouble" would bring to such deserters.
Before partially mobilizing troops, Russia had amended criminal law to include severe penalties for acts such as voluntary surrender of members serving during wartime or refusing to participate in armed battles, as well as long prison sentences for robbery, desertion or military flight during wartime.
