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Tensions between the United States and Russia famously remain at an all-time high. All things considered, no one should hold their breath waiting for any foreseeable changes on this front.

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the United States continues to support the latter, providing weapons, ammunition, and other tools to help Ukrainians defend their homeland.

In the wake of this war, the American government has already advised US citizens to leave Russia immediately.

According to the US Embassy, Americans in Russia run the risk of being unfairly detained, convicted in sham trials, and otherwise punished and/or used as pawns by the Russian government.

This warning has since been extended to Belarus, a nation well-known as an ally of Russia. Any American citizens currently in Belarus should exit as soon as they are physically able.

Critical warnings from the US Embassy

Of greatest concern to US officials is the rise of Russian troops making themselves comfortable in Belarus. Furthermore, civil unrest, unfair detentions, and the selective enforcement of laws each remain cited as dangers to American citizens there.

Not only have Americans been advised to leave Belarus as rapidly as possible, but the US Embassy also advised Americans not to travel there either.

Additional information from the US Embassy says US citizens' easiest ways of exit include either by airplane or by available border crossings with Latvia or Lithuania.

As Americans make their way out of Belarus, they should plan on doing so without the assistance of the US government. Per the embassy, its resources to assist Americans in either Belarus or Russia remain very restricted.

More on Belarus

Due to Belarus actively aiding Russia's invasion of Ukraine, it continues to face substantial sanctions. These sanctions aim to accomplish the following goals:

• Limit Belarus' ability to spread misinformation in other countries
• Restrict Belarus' sources of revenue
• Curtail Belarus' ability to circumvent these sanctions

It goes without saying this is not a country where any American citizen should reside or visit. US citizens who opt to remain in Belarus and/or Russia, notwithstanding the ongoing geopolitical tensions, do so at their own risk.