Russians fleeing Putin’s call-up sail to S.Korea, most refused entry

By Hyonhee Shin

SEOUL (Reuters) – Determined to keep away from army call-up to combat in Ukraine, greater than 20 Russians have sailed in yachts from North Pacific ports to South Korea, however most have been refused entry, in keeping with a media report.

There was an exodus of conscription-age males from Russia since President Vladimir Putin ordered a partial mobilisation on Sept. 21, however most fled by street, rail and air to Europe, and neighbouring former Soviet Union nations, like Georgia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.

On Tuesday, South Korean broadcaster KBS reported that not less than 21 Russians had arrived aboard yachts at ports within the south of the nation, however solely two had been granted entry, whereas others have been refused as authorities deemed their goal “ambiguous”.

A yacht with 5 Russian males aboard departed on Tuesday from the South Korean island of Ulleung, having arrived there on Sept. 30 after crusing from the japanese Russian metropolis of Vladivostok, a coast guard official informed Reuters on Wednesday.

The official mentioned the yacht was “taking cowl from dangerous climate” and the individuals aboard had obtained meals and different assist, however he declined to specify why they weren’t granted entry, referring immigration-related queries to the justice ministry.

KBS reported that three yachts had docked within the southeastern port metropolis of Pohang over the previous a number of days, principally carrying Russian males of their 20-30s.

One of many yachts had 9 Russian males and one girl aboard, whereas a smaller vessel had 4 males aboard, it mentioned.

An official at Pohang’s coast guard declined to remark when contacted by Reuters.

A justice ministry official mentioned he didn’t have particulars concerning the yacht instances, however Russians are typically allowed to enter the nation and not using a visa so long as they get hold of prior approval through South Korea’s digital journey authorisation system.