A HULL explorer just 300 miles from finishing a 3,000 trek to deliver a letter pleading for help from Russia to continue his global trek is facing a "pretty grim" situation, according to his father.
Karl Bushby, 44, began his 36,000-mile trip in 1998, hoping to become the first man to walk an unbroken path around the world.
However, Russian red tape has repeatedly knocked him off track.
Last summer, former paratrooper Karl began walking from Los Angeles to the Russian embassy in Washington DC, where he hoped diplomats in the embassy would take pity on him.
In 2012, Karl, of Sutton, east Hull, was given a five-year ban from entering Russia after he was caught by police without the correct paperwork.
Now, because of deteriorating relations between the West and Russia over the crisis in Ukraine, Karl is expecting a less-than helpful response from the Kremlin.
News earlier this week that Britain has ordered a public inquiry into the death in 2006 of former KGB spy Alexander Litvinenko by radiation poisoning in London is also likely to further hinder Karl's case.
His father, Keith Bushby, said: "It's pretty grim to be honest, but what else can Karl do? He has to keep moving.
"The situation in Ukraine could not have happened at a worse time. Karl was half way across America when it kicked off."
Keith stressed neither he or his son have anything against the Russian people.
"The Russian people have been very friendly," he said. "It's the red tape that has held us back."
Karl has coped with 50C heat while walking through Death Valley in Nevada.
Keith said: "Karl will still go to the embassy and deliver his letter, but we don't even know if anyone will be there.
"We will then wait for a reply from Russia."
It is not yet clear where Karl will hole up.
"He will stay in the US for as long as he can," said Keith. "But that, of course, will be determined by Visa restrictions.
"If Karl has to serve the full five-year ban he will probably go back to Mexico, where he can rent a room very cheaply and the cost of food is cheap."
