Two Russian nationals who fled the country to avoid being drafted into Moscow's war in Ukraine are seeking asylum in the U.S. after reaching a remote island in western Alaska by boat.
Two Russians fleeing the military draft arrived in Gambell, Alaska, looking for asylum.
The two Russians landed in the Alaskan city of Gambell to be identified by state officials.
The federal Customs and Border Protection is trying to determine if the two Russians can enter the country.
Sullivan contacted the Department of Homeland Security to come up with a plan in case more Russians fled to Alaska.
The announcement comes two weeks after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered 300,000 additional troops to fight in Ukraine and as Russian forces face major territorial setbacks in the east of the country.
As the war enters its eighth month, Putin threatened the use of nuclear weapons, as well as the use of compulsory military service. Moscow claimed overwhelming support in a series of referendums for four eastern Ukrainian regions to be annexed into Russia. The U.S. will never recognize Ukrainian territory as anything other than part of Ukraine, according to President Joe Biden.
Many military-age Russians have left the country to neighboring countries, such as Georgia, where 12-hour-long lines to enter stretched for miles. According to data from the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, between September 26 and October 2, 53,000 Russians entered European Union countries, including 29,000 who entered Finns. It is important to make sure that people can enter on humanitarian grounds. Nine other European Union member countries stopped taking Russian visas as well. Other Russians have used more drastic measures to avoid being drafted.
The Russian people don't want to fight Putin's war of aggression against Ukraine, and Alaska has a vital role to play in securing America's national security.
Local and state law enforcement officials were the only ones who could assist the two Russians. According to the press release, Customs and Border Protection sent in a Coast Guard plane that was 750 miles away from the town.
There are close borders to those fleeing the draft.
Two Russians are seeking asylum after reaching a remote island.
Thousands of Russians flee to neighbor countries to avoid a military draft.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
