Two Russians Escape Conscription, Seek Asylum in US Alaska by Boat

Risking Shipwreck to Cross the Bering Sea
Nearly 400,000 Overseas Evaders Avoiding Mobilization Orders

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Two Russians fled to the United States' Alaska by boat to avoid the government's partial mobilization order and applied for asylum. U.S. authorities plan to strengthen coastal patrols as they expect a significant increase in the number of Russians escaping to Alaska in the future. It is estimated that more than 400,000 citizens have fled abroad to avoid the mobilization order in Russia so far.

According to the Associated Press on the 6th (local time), Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski announced that two Russians crossed over to St. Lawrence Island, located in the Bering Sea between western Alaska and the eastern coast of Russia, and applied for asylum. Senator Murkowski explained, "They are people who fled from the eastern coast of Russia to avoid compulsory military service."

They arrived on October 4th in Gambell, a village located on the western side of St. Lawrence Island in Alaska, by a small boat from the eastern coast of Russia, and subsequently voluntarily reported their entry to the U.S. Coast Guard and requested asylum. Gambell is only 58 km away from Chukotka, the easternmost part of Russia, making it closer to Russia than to the Alaska mainland.

Regarding their asylum, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security stated, "The two Russians were transferred to Anchorage, Alaska, for inspection and will be processed according to immigration law procedures." However, detailed information such as their identities or travel routes was not disclosed.

U.S. authorities expect a significant increase in asylum applications from Russians fleeing from the eastern coast of Russia to Alaska and plan to strengthen coastal patrols. Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy warned, "With autumn storms expected to bring strong winds, this method of escape could become dangerous in the future." Typically, Russians seeking asylum in the U.S. are known to first enter the Mexican region as tourists and then cross the U.S. border by land.

Meanwhile, inside Russia, the exodus abroad continues as people try to avoid the mobilization order. News has spread that mobilized soldiers are being sent to the front lines without proper weapons and supplies, leading to a continuous escape movement, especially among men subject to conscription. According to Bloomberg News, nearly 400,000 Russians have fled the country since the partial mobilization order was announced.