White House warns Americans in Russia as Biden prepares Navalny sanctions

20 February 2024

Editor's note: An earlier version of this report did not indicate the date of some of Kirby’s comments at the bottom were from last year.

White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby is reportedly telling Americans in Russia to leave, as the Biden administration prepares to unveil strong sanctions in response to the death of Russian political prisoner Alexei Navalny. Kirby also pressed House Republicans to pass critical foreign aid legislation to help Ukraine in its fight against Russia. His reinforcement of the existing Level 4 “Do Not Travel” Advisory also comes after last Friday’s revelation that Russia may be preparing nuclear weapons for space.

“At President Biden’s direction, we will be announcing a major sanctions package on Friday of this week to hold Russia accountable for what happened to Mr Navalny,” Kirby told reporters Tuesday, AFP reports. “Whatever story the Russian government decides to tell the world, it’s clear President Putin and his government are responsible for Mr Navalny’s death.”

“If the Ukrainians aren’t better supplied,” Kirby also said, “if they don’t get a relief from the shortage of ammunition that they are suffering right now, this move on Avdiivka could actually have a larger effect on the fighting in the east and the amount of territory that the Russians might be able to get over time.”

Veteran foreign policy journalist Laura Rozen reports Kirby also said (not direct quotes): “One of the most powerful things that we can do right now to stand up to Vladimir Putin, of course, is to pass the bipartisan national security supplemental bill and support Ukraine as they continue to fight bravely in defense of their country.”

She also reports Kirby said, “Ukrainian troops were forced to withdraw from the city of Avdiivka …on Saturday…because they practically ran out of supplies, including artillery ammunition.”

And: “I believe that the President’s comments and willingness to have another conversation reflect a sense of urgency that we all we all believe we’re in and frankly, we believe Congress should believe, instead of being on vacation.”

NewsNation Washington Correspondent Kellie Meyer reports on the White House’s “WARNING TO AMERICANS IN RUSSIA,” which she says included this phrase: “You outta leave right now.”

Meyer also reports Kirby said, “I want to reiterate our very strong warnings about the danger to US citizens in Russia.”

NBC News‘ Peter Alexander reports President Joe Biden will be speaking with foreign leaders of the G7 on Saturday.

Kirby made similar remarks to CNN last year in March, saying, “this is not the time for Americans to be in Russia. If you’re in Russia now, whether it’s on business or leisure, whatever kind of travel, you need to leave now. This is not a good place for you to be in Russia. Even if you are a working journalist, Russia is a is a hostile environment for American citizens right now. It’s time to go if you’re there.”

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