The United States mission in Russia has directed it’s citizens to immediately leave Vladimir Putin’s country as the military campaign in Ukraine escalates.

In a statement released on Sunday, the U.S. Embassy stressed that several countries had shut off their airspace to Russia in a bid to sanction the nation for invading Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

However, it urged citizens to take advantage of the commercial flights options still available for immediate evacuation.

“U.S. citizens should consider departing Russia immediately via commercial options still available,” the security alert reads in part.

The U.S. Embassy also warned Americans against travelling within Russia at this critical period noting that “Department of State’s Travel Advisory level for Russia is at “Level 4: Do Not Travel.”

The statement which urged Americans to carry proper identification which includes a U.S. passport with a current Russian visa at all times, further advised citizens to have a contingency plan which is not reliant on the United States government.

The U.S. has been leading a global charge inflicting wide ranging and impactful sanction Russia for its aggression on Ukraine. Already, U.S. President has announced the freezing of Russian assets in its soil including those of the Russian biggest banks.

Mr Putin threatened that any country who interferes with his military invasion and there fears American interests might be targeted in retaliation.