Russia sentences US-Russian citizen to 12 years in prison for donating to support Ukraine
Photo: Ksenia Karelina (Sverdlovsk Regional Court)
A Russian court sentenced Ksenia Karelina, a dual citizen of the US and Russia, to 12 years in prison. She was accused of treason for donating to the Razom for Ukraine fund, according to Reuters.
On February 24, 2024, Ksenia Karelina transferred $51 to the Razom for Ukraine fund, which raises funds to provide humanitarian aid to Ukrainians affected by Russian aggression.
The agency reports that Karelina's case was heard by the same Russian court that, in July, convicted The Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich of espionage.
It is known that Russian prosecutors demanded 15 years in prison for Karelin, but the court was satisfied with 12 years. The woman admitted her guilt, but her lawyers intend to partially appeal the verdict.
Who is Ksenia Karelina
"Ksenia Karelina was born in Russia but emigrated to the United States in 2012 through the Work&Study program. In 2021, she obtained US citizenship. Before her arrest, she lived in Los Angeles, working at a spa.
In January 2024, during a visit to her family in Yekaterinburg, Karelina was detained by the Federal Security Service. Immediately after arriving in Russia, her mobile phone was confiscated, where they found a mention of a donation made in 2022.
Over several months, Karelina was repeatedly interrogated, forbidden from leaving Yekaterinburg, and required to report for mandatory weekly check-ins.
Russian courts arrest and charge individuals of espionage or treason for supporting Ukraine. This applies to both foreigners and Russian citizens.
Russia systematically convicts Ukrainian citizens living in occupied Ukrainian territories on similar charges.
It is known that American reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was accused of espionage in Russia in July, returned to the US as part of a recent exchange.
