Young Russians sail to South Korea to avoid conscription for Ukraine war

At least 20 Russians have tried to avoid conscription for the war in Ukraine by fleeing to South Korea by yacht, but most were turned away.

Five men made the 380-mile journey from Vladivostok to the port of Sokcho on South Korea’s northeast coast in a modest six-tonne yacht. They departed on September 27 and arrived three days later but, before they reached land, were intercepted by the coastguard, according to the public broadcaster KBS.

The coastguard reported that the men’s reasons for wanting to enter the country were unclear and they were assumed to be avoiding President Putin’s partial conscription, announced on September 21. The men, described as being in their twenties to forties, were given enough food, water and fuel for the journey back to Russia but were spotted again in nearby waters on October 1.

Four days later, the yacht arrived at Ulleungdo Island, more than 125 miles away, to take shelter from bad weather. Refused entry to South Korea again, the men left the area yesterday, telling the authorities they might go back to Vladivostok or try their luck elsewhere.

Three other yachts carrying young Russian men have docked at the port city of Pohang, about 150 miles south of Sokcho, in the past few days. Only two were allowed to enter the country, reported KBS, with the rest giving “ambiguous” reasons for their proposed visits.

Russian men have been trying to escape by car, train, plane, bike and on foot since the military call-up, mostly into European countries and neighbouring former Soviet nations. Russia has closed many of the routes to young men in response.

The Kremlin today denied that there was a “new wave” of men being drafted after local officials said they were increasing mobilisation.

South Korea’s early stance on the Ukraine invasion under President Moon, who appeared wary of harming exports to Russia and refused to send weapons, hardened when the more hawkish President Yoon replaced him in May.