A Buckner security assessment team is monitoring the situation between Russia and Ukraine to determine how it may affect mission trips planned for St. Petersburg this year.

Russia annexed Crimea earlier this month in a move the United States and the European Union have declared illegal. The U.S. imposed sanctions on Russia last week, banning travel for and freezing the assets of 31 Russian officials and citizens with ties to Vladimir Putin.

Russia has reciprocated with sanctions of its own, putting travels restrictions on several U.S. politicians and officials.

“If things between Russia and the U.S. continue to escalate, there’s a chance this could affect travel visas,” said Matt Asato, senior director of ministry engagement. “At this point, we don’t see any need to restrict travel, or anything that will keep up from moving forward in Russia with our travel plans, but we will just continue to monitor the situation and keep our mission trip participants informed.”