It is reasonable to consider whether both motives apply, but one should also note that the former alone is sufficient reason for this action (and also sufficient reason for individual US citizens to carefully consider whether they want to be in Russia or its puppet states.)

If the US were planning to take a more aggressive stance with Russia, the first move would be to get their citizens/potential hostages out of reach.

Obviously, not everyone will leave, but now the administration can say "they were warned" if they get caught in the political crossfire later.

When I saw the title, I feared a much scarier message: "sh*t's about to go down".

This is much better.