Two Russians who crossed the Bering Strait after the announcement of mobilization were allowed to stay in the United States
[ad_1]
Two Russian citizens were allowed to stay in Alaska, where they sailed by boat to avoid being called up for military service as part of the partial mobilization. This is reported The Economist.
As the publication clarifies, the men who overcame on a 16-foot boat (about 4.9 m) a distance of almost 500 km from the city of Egvekinot (Chukotka, Russia) to St. Lawrence Island (Alaska, USA) are called Sergey and Maxim. The names of the men have not been released due to their concerns about the safety of their families. They made the decision to leave Russia after they tried to hand over subpoenas and call them to the mobilization service.
According to the men, they managed to leave Russia completely unhindered. Sergei suggested that it never occurred to the Russian authorities that someone would try to cross the border in this way. Before going out to sea, they spent several nights in a tent in the forest. When asked what they were doing, the men replied that they were looking for dead walruses to sell their tusks.
It was not immediately possible for the men to reach the coast of St. Lawrence Island. When the Russians went to sea for the first time, a strong storm began, and they were forced to return. The second attempt was successful, despite the resumption of the storm. For several hours, Sergei and Maxim sailed in a boat half-filled with water. After some time, they managed to reach the coast of the island.
Upon arrival in Gambell, located on the island of St. Lawrence, Sergei and Maxim were detained by the local police. With the help of an online translator, the men explained that they needed political asylum. However, in accordance with US law, immigration officers detained them for two days, then the men were transferred to a detention center in Tacoma, Washington.
After more than three months in prison, the Russians were released on bail. Sergei was released on January 13, Maxim – on January 18, the men will not be extradited. According to the publication, the local pastor of Ukrainian origin helped the Russians, he also sheltered the men after they were released from arrest. In a few months, Sergei and Maxim will receive a work permit in the United States.
Partial mobilization in Russia began on September 21, the day the corresponding decree of President Vladimir Putin was signed. The Russian authorities announced its completion on October 28. According to the president, 318,000 people were mobilized as part of the partial mobilization, including volunteers. There was no decree to end the mobilization.
[ad_2]
Source link
