The White House has advised all US citizens living and working in Russia to leave “immediately”.
The travel warning comes hours after Russia’s security service arrested Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich in Yekaterinburg.
Gershkovich has been detained on unsubstantiated espionage charges.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement on Thursday: “The targeting of American citizens by the Russian government is unacceptable. We condemn the detention of Mr Gershkovich in the strongest terms.
“We also condemn the Russian government’s continued targeting and repression of journalists and freedom of the press.
“I want to strongly reiterate that Americans should heed the US government’s warning to not travel to Russia.
“US citizens residing or travelling in Russia should depart immediately, as the State Department continues to advise.”
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