AKIPRESS.COM - The U.S. Embassy in Moscow has issued security alert on threat of attacks.

"According to media sources, there have been threats of attacks against shopping centers, railway and metro stations, and other public gathering places in major urban areas, including Moscow and St. Petersburg as well as in areas of heightened tension along the Russian border with Ukraine," said the alert.

The Embassy recommends its citizens to monitor local and international media for updates, avoid crowds, carry proper identification, including a U.S. passport with a current Russian visa, have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.