The earth is far too large and there’s too much to see to take a chance by visiting Russia, so I can live happily ever after without ever stepping foot in the “Motherland.”
Americans, if you want to leave the country go somewhere else.
Why?
More than a few prominent critics and opponents of Russian President Vladimir Putin have died under suspicious circumstances or been poisoned in recent years, including leading opposition figure Alexei Navalny. But that’s not all… Several American citizens are currently detained in Russia on allegedly frivolous charges. For example, Ksenia Karelina, a dual U.S.-Russian citizen, was sentenced to 12 years in prison in August 2024 for treason after donating a whopping $51 to a charity allegedly supporting the Ukrainian military.
Seriously?
The Russian government isn’t about following the law. If it can use you to advance their goals, they will.
So, how does detaining Americans work in their favor?
These detentions provide Russia with potential leverage for future negotiations and the pattern suggests that Russia may be “stockpiling” Americans for possible exchanges involving Russian nationals or allies imprisoned elsewhere. The approach allows Russia to maintain a pool of detainees for strategic use in diplomatic dealings with the United States.
Just last week, a 28-year-old American citizen was detained at Moscow’s Vnukovo International Airport on February 7, 2025, after Russian customs officials allegedly discovered cannabis-infused food items in his luggage. The man, who arrived on a flight from Istanbul, was apprehended when a drug-detection dog named Eureka alerted customs agents to one of his bags. The detained individual claimed that the cannabis gummies were prescribed by his U.S. doctor.
At this point, anyone who travels to Russia with an illicit drug, prescribed or not, is woefully inept. C’mon now. And by the way, the above comment was likely a joke – North Korea would be even worse.
So if you MUST go, leave your Tylenol and Advil at home too. Don’t give them an iota of reason to detain you – Although they can for any reason, no reason, or a fabricated reason. The laws don’t apply when the government is involved.
The report, while not naming the individual involved, gently informs us that authorities have initiated a criminal case against him. It’s important to acknowledge the gravity of this situation, as he faces potential penalties that could include 5 to 10 years in prison and a fine reaching up to 1 million rubles ($10,884). During such challenging times, it’s crucial to approach the matter with understanding and empathy for everyone affected.
Seriously?
Isn’t the fine more than enough?
Travel to Russia at your own risk.