• The US Embassy in Moscow is urging Americans to leave Russia as soon as possible.
  • The embassy warned that dual nationals could be conscripted into military service.
  • Putin recently announced a military mobilization plan as the Ukraine war rages on.

The US Embassy in Moscow said in a new security alert that US citizens should not travel to Russia and urged those traveling or residing in the country to get out "immediately," warning that dual nationals could be conscripted for military service as Russian leadership scrambles to find more people to fight in Ukraine. 

"On September 21, the Russian government began a mobilization of its citizens to the armed forces in support of its invasion of Ukraine," the security alert said. "Russia may refuse to acknowledge dual nationals' US citizenship, deny their access to US consular assistance, prevent their departure from Russia, and conscript dual nationals for military service."

"If you wish to depart Russia, you should make independent arrangements as soon as possible," the alert added.

The embassy said that it has "severe limitations" in its ability to assist Americans, underscoring that options for transportation "may suddenly become even more limited."

Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a partial military mobilization, calling up tens of thousands of reservists. Though Putin said that only people who'd previously served "and have specific military occupational specialties and corresponding experience" would be impacted, reports indicate that that people without prior military service are also being forced to enlist. 

Putin's mobilization decree came as Russia faces major manpower problems in Ukraine, where Russian forces are estimated to have suffered as many as 80,000 casualties since the war began in late February. 

The mobilization has faced resistance in Russia, prompting protests and leading thousands of men to flee the country. There have been traffic jams at the Russian border, and plane ticket prices have skyrocketed. 

This news is developing and this article will be updated.

Read the original article on Business Insider