State Department warns Russian security officials 'may be singling out US citizens'

The State Department on Thursday warned that Russian government security officials in both Ukraine and Russia “may be singling out U.S. citizens” based on their nationality, urging Americans who remain in either country to “depart immediately.”

"We take seriously our responsibility to inform U.S. citizens about developments that may impact their safety and security when they are traveling or residing outside of the United States," Price said. "In recent weeks, as you've heard, we have seen reports that Russian security officials have singled out and detained U.S. citizens in Ukraine and in Russia itself."

"We have also heard President Putin denigrate equality, free speech, and human rights for all," Price continued. "For these reasons, we are warning U.S. citizens that Russian government security officials in both Russia and in Ukraine may be singling out U.S. citizens based on their nationality."