“Seek cover”: US gives advice to its citizens in Russia amid drone attacks on Moscow

The US Embassy in Russia has published guidance for its citizens in Russia in the wake of Ukrainian drone strikes on targets in Russian territory. US citizens are advised, among other things, to seek cover.

Source: Drone/Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Response Guidance published by the US Embassy on 18 June, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The advice notes that drone raids and explosions have recently occurred in Russian regions bordering Ukraine, as well as in large cities deeper within the country.

“In the event of a UAV or drone sighting, move away immediately and seek cover if necessary. Do not approach, touch, or photograph UAVs, UAV debris, or objects dropped by UAVs,” the guidance states.

Americans are reminded that Russian law prohibits sharing photos and videos depicting the aftermath of strikes and that this carries criminal liability.

“US citizens are again advised and strenuously reminded not to travel to Russia,” the embassy states.

Background:

On the night of 17-18 June, Ukrainian drones struck the Moscow oil refinery in Kapotnya, causing a major fire. Russian media outlets described the attack as the largest in the past two years, and residents in some districts of Moscow complained of “oil rain”.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda said the Ukrainian attack was a game changer in the war in Ukraine’s favour.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna shared a photo that went viral online following Ukrainian strikes on the Moscow oil refinery on 18 June.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, commenting on the strikes on Moscow, said that pressure on Russia to end the war must come not only from Ukrainians but also from Americans, Europeans and Russians themselves.