The US Embassy in Russia warns its citizens of possible attacks
The US Embassy in Moscow has warned its citizens of possible attacks in public places in Russia, including along the border with Ukraine where the Kremlin has mobilized forces for a possible invasion.
"According to media sources, threats have been issued to launch attacks on shopping centers, metro stations and other public gathering places in major cities," the embassy said in a statement.
The embassy did not refer to specific media reports.
Western countries have been warning for weeks that Moscow could launch an attack on neighboring Ukraine, accusing Russia of massing tens of thousands of troops on its border.
The embassy asked Americans in Russia to avoid crowds and make evacuation plans that did not depend on US government assistance.
For her part, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova criticized the move on social media, wondering whether the US side followed the protocol in issuing the statement.
Local authorities on Russia's border with Ukraine have declared in recent days a state of emergency as evacuees cross into the country from rebel-held territory in eastern Ukraine.
On Sunday, the Emergencies Ministry said more than 50,000 people had entered Russia, in a move that exacerbated tensions.
Ukraine has been fighting pro-Moscow separatists since 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea following mass protests in Kiev, and more than 14,000 people have been killed in fighting in the east of the country.
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