Russian government authorities have granted a permit for a demonstration to take place near the center of Yekaterinburg on September 21st, 2014.
Russian civil society activists are organizing a “Peace March” to oppose the conflict in eastern Ukraine. Participants will gather at 15:45 at Ploshad Oboroniy. As authorized, the demonstration meeting is to be stationary and no march has been authorized. Russian authorities have authorized up to 300 participants, although the exact number of expected participants is unclear.
The march described in Consulate General Yekaterinbrug Security Message from 18 September is not expected to occur, and the gathering at Ploshad Oboroniy is expected to replace the planned march. There have also been reports of the possibility of “Anti-March” counter demonstration marchers planning to assemble at 2:45pm at 78a Krasnoarmeyskaya Street and marching along Dekyabristov Street to Lyunacharskovo Street, and ending in Ploshad Oboroniy. U.S. citizens should also be aware of the possibility for additional counter-demonstrations in support of the Government of Russia or other spontaneous protest activity throughout the Yekaterinburg area and elsewhere in the consular district. Such large gatherings may further cause significant traffic and mass-transit disruptions. A larger-than-usual police presence will likely be evident in and around the area of Ploshad Oboroniy to monitor the events.
Please note the following guidance from the U.S. Department of State’s Country Specific Information for the Russian Federation: “U.S. citizens should avoid all public demonstrations, whether properly authorized by local officials or not, and avoid any large crowds and public gatherings that lack enhanced security measures.”
U.S. citizens are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. Review your personal security plans, remain aware of your surroundings, including local events, and monitor local news stations for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.
U.S. citizens presently in or considering travel to Russia should evaluate their personal security situation in light of current political tensions and the possibility of actions directed against U.S. citizens or interests. In addition, the U.S. Consulate in Yekaterinburg reminds U.S. citizens in Russia of theTravel Alert issued on July 22.
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Russia enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you do not have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Regularly monitor the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for Russia. For additional information, refer to the “Traveler’s Checklist” on the State Department’s website. Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free from within the United States and Canada, or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for travel information at your fingertips.
The American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Consulate General in Yekaterinburg assists U.S. citizens in the Yekaterinburg Consular District. We can help you with passport issuance and renewal, voter assistance, notarials, and registering a child born abroad. We also provide emergency services for U.S. citizens in case of a disaster or in case of illness, arrest, death or destitution while in Russia.
Appointments are required for all non-emergency services; you can make an appointment by calling the ACS unit at 7 (343 379-3001. To contact us with questions, please write to moscowwarden@state.gov or visit the Embassy website.
Emergency Contact Information in Russia:
U.S. Citizens with an emergency during regular office hours (M-F 9am-6pm, excluding Russian and U.S. holidays) are welcome to visit the ACS unit at the U.S. Embassy, 21 Novinsky Blvd., Moscow. Tel: (7) (495) 728-5577 – 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, weekdays. For after-hours emergencies, call (7) (495) 728-5000 after 6:00 pm, and on weekends and holidays.
U.S. Consulate General St. Petersburg:
The U.S. Consulate General in St. Petersburg is located at 15 Furshatskaya Street, Tel: (+7) (812) 331-2600. You may contact the Consulate’s ACS unit by e-mail at StPetersburgACS@State.gov, or by fax at (+7) (812) 331-2646, or visit the Consulate website. For after-hours emergencies, call (812) 331-2600 and listen to the recorded message for the Duty Officer’s cell phone number.
U.S. Consulate General Vladivostok:
The U.S. Consulate General in Vladivostok is located at 32 Puskinskaya Street, Tel.: +7 (423) 230-0070. You may contact the Consulate’s ACS unit by e-mail at vladcons@state.gov, or by fax at +7 (423) 230-0091. For after-hours emergencies call +7 914-791-0067.
U.S. Consulate General Yekaterinburg:
The U.S. Consulate General in Yekaterinburg is located at 15 Gogolya Street, Tel: (+7) (343) 379-3001. You may contact the Consulate’s ACS unit by e-mail at ConsulYekat@State.gov or by fax at (+7) (343) 379-4515, or visit the Consulate Website, https://ru.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/yekaterinburg/. For after-hours emergencies, you may call the Duty officer at (+7) (917) 569-3549.
