U.S. Embassy in Moscow urges American citizens to leave Russia 'immediately'

American citizens living in Russia are being urged to leave by the U.S. embassy in Moscow.

The embassy said in a security alert that Americans should not travel to Russia and Russians should leave immediately.

The alert came just a week after Putin announced an increase in Russia's war in Ukraine. Thousands of Russians have left the country in the last week.

The embassy urged U.S. citizens to make independent arrangements as soon as possible, as commercial flight options are very limited. Americans in Russia have limited options when it comes to transportation, according to the embassy.

Russians may refuse to acknowledge U.S. citizenship for dual nationals, try to prevent their departure from Russia, or even conscript dual nationals for military service, according to the alert. Basic human rights are not guaranteed in Russia according to the embassy.

The embassy advised against all political or social protests. U.S. citizens have been arrested in Russia for participating in demonstrations.