Australians travelling to Russia have been warned to brace for possible anti-western sentiment and terrorism as the fallout continues from the poisoning of a former spy in the United Kingdom.
The warning comes after Australia has expelled two Russian diplomats it believes are undeclared spies, joining other world powers in taking action over the poisoning of a former spy in the UK.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade updated its travel advice for Russia on Sunday, warning people that ‘terrorism is a threat’ throughout the country.
Australian travellers to Russia have been warned to brace for possible anti-western sentiment and terrorism
‘Due to heightened political tensions, you should be aware of the possibility of anti-Western sentiment or harassment,’ the travel advice said.
‘Exercise a high degree of caution in all parts of Russia because of the threat of terrorist activity and crime.’
The U.K., United States and European allies of Britain have expelled 100 Russian diplomats over the nerve agent attack on former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Salisbury in the United Kingdom
London blames Moscow for the attack but Russia denies involvement.
The Kremlin has since retaliated, announcing it will expel two Australian diplomats.
The news comes after Malcolm Turnbull (pictured left) and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop (right) Australia announced two Russian diplomats were expelled, believed to be spies
Terrorism targets have included public transport, transport hubs and public places ‘popular with foreigners’, according to Smart Traveller.
‘Terrorism is a threat throughout Russia. Terrorist attacks have occurred in Russian cities, including Moscow and St Petersburg,’ the website stated.
‘Remain vigilant, avoid any protests or demonstrations and avoid commenting publicly on political developments,’ the travel advice said.
‘Pay close attention to your personal security at all times. Monitor the media and other sources of information for new safety and security risks.’
The UK, United States and European allies of Britain have expelled 100 Russian diplomats over the nerve agent attack on former spy Sergei Skripal and daughter Yulia in Salisbury in the UK
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop last week flagged a Socceroos boycott of the upcoming soccer World Cup in Russia.
‘The boycott of the World Cup is one of the further actions that could be taken in relation to this matter,’ she said.
Mr Turnbull and Ms Bishop said the UK government advised Australia the substance used in the attack was a military-grade nerve agent of a type developed by Russia.
Terrorism targets have included public transport, transport hubs and public places ‘popular with foreigners’, according to Smart Traveller
Australia has accused the government of Russian President Vladimir Putin of undermining democracy around the world
‘The criminal attack in the United Kingdom in Salisbury on the fourth of March was an attack on all of us,’ Mr Turnbull told reporters.
‘It was an attack on the sovereignty of every nation that respects the rule of law.’
‘We’re acting together with 23 other nations around the world in response to the shocking chemical warfare attack at Salisbury in the United Kingdom on the fourth of March.
‘This was the first act of chemical warfare in Europe since the second World War.
‘Russia is threatening the democratic world right around the world.’
A police officer stands guard in front of the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow on November 5, 2017. About 3,500 people were evacuated from the Bolshoi Theatre due to a bomb threat, a local media report