WASHINGTON, 22 February 2022, (TON): The US Embassy in Moscow has urged its citizens to refrain from travels to Russia amid possible terrorist attacks in Moscow and Saint Petersburg over the escalation of the Ukrainian crisis.

The diplomatic mission said in a statement published on its official website "according to media sources, there have been threats of attacks against shopping centres, railway and metro stations, and other public gathering places in major urban areas, including Moscow and St Petersburg as well as in areas of heightened tension along the Russian border with Ukraine.”

The embassy did not specify what sources it used to issue a notice, and made some recommendations, including to monitor local and international media for updates, avoid crowds, keep in touch with friends and family, and mind the surroundings.

It also advised to stay alert in locations frequented by tourists and Westerners, review personal security plans, carry proper identification, including a US passport with a current Russian visa, and have evacuation plans that do not rely on US government assistance.

Commenting on the warning, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova asked whether the US diplomats shared with the relevant Russian law enforcement the information about planned terrorist attacks.