Two Russians arrived in Alaska by sea on Tuesday and are seeking asylum in the United States, several officials in this Arctic region close to Russia confirmed on Thursday, a few weeks after Vladimir Putin-ordered “partial mobilization” around the continue war in Ukraine.

Two Russian nationals arrived at a beach near GambellAlaska Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan announced in a joint statement that a village on the American island of St. Lawrence, which lies in the Bering Sea about 40 miles from the Russian coast.

These two people have applied for asylum in the United Statesit says in the press release.

A small boat carrying two Russian nationals has arrived on the coast of rural Alaska Tuesday confirms theAFP a spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security.

The case of these two Russians is under investigation in accordance with applicable US immigration lawshe specified. We are in contact with federal officials and Gambell residents to determine who these individuals are., added Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski. For her, This situation underscores the need for a stronger security posture in the US Arctic.

In mid-September, Vladimir Putin ordered partial mobilization to strengthen his troops in Ukraine, affecting around 300,000 reservists. This announcement caused a rush on the websites of airlines in the following days, which should try to leave Russia as soon as possible.

In Europe, the possible admission of Russian deserters has become a political issue between the various members of the Union in recent weeks.

As dissatisfaction grows in Russia in the face of an often chaotic mobilization, the Russian President acknowledged in late September to correct mistakesquestions brings home those summoned without good reason.