![Russia [Shutterstock]](https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Russia-2499x1406.jpg)
What you need to know before you go: visas, Embassy & Consulate locations, vaccinations, etc.
International Travel Information: Learn MoreFollowing recent Russian military actions in Ukraine, U.S. citizens should consider departing Russia immediately via limited commercial options still available. Please visit travel.state.gov for the latest information on departure options.
The Future of Security Sector Assistance in a Changing World
Russia recognized the United States on October 28, 1803, and diplomatic relations between the United States and Russia were formally established in 1809. Diplomatic relations were interrupted following the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution. On December 6, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson instructed all American diplomatic representatives in Russia to refrain from any direct communication with representatives of the Bolshevik Government. Although diplomatic relations were never formally severed, the United States refused to recognize or have any formal relations with the Bolshevik/Soviet governments until 1933. Normal diplomatic relations were resumed on November 16, 1933. On December 25, 1991, the United States recognized the Russian Federation as the successor to the Soviet Union and established diplomatic relations on December 31, 1991.
In response to Russia’s ongoing violations of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, including Russia’s occupation and attempted annexation of Crimea, the United States suspended bilateral engagement with the Russian government on most economic issues. The United States continues to investigate allegations of mistreatment of or discrimination against U.S. investors in Russia and to urge Russia to improve its investment climate, adherence to the rule of law, and transparency. In Russia, the U.S. Embassy Political-Economic Section, on behalf of the U.S. Commercial Service, continues to assist U.S. firms interested in developing market opportunities that do not violate sanctions.
![Russia Flag: three equal horizontal bands of white (top), blue, and red. Note: the colors may have been based on those of the Dutch flag; despite many popular interpretations, there is no official meaning assigned to the colors of the Russian flag; this flag inspired other Slav countries to adopt horizontal tricolors of the same colors but in different arrangements, and so red, blue, and white became the Pan-Slav colors. [CIA World Fact Book]](https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/rs-lgflag.gif){kind=small}
