A Russian court has sentenced Ksenia Karelina, a Russian-American citizen, to 12 years in prison on charges of treason. The conviction stems from a donation Karelina made to a Ukrainian charity in February 2022, the day Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine.
Karelina, a resident of Los Angeles, was found guilty of transferring funds to a Ukrainian organization. These funds were allegedly used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces to purchase tactical medical items, equipment, and ammunition. This information was reported by Reuters on Thursday.
Supporters of Karelina argue that she only donated $51.80 to Razom for Ukraine, a New York-based charity known for providing humanitarian aid to children and elderly people in Ukraine. Notably, the charity itself denies any involvement in providing military support to Kyiv.
Karelina, who was born in Russia and immigrated to the United States in 2012, was arrested by the FSB security service after flying to Russia to visit her family in Yekaterinburg earlier this year.
Her lawyer, Mikhail Mushailov, expressed hope that she might be included in a future prisoner exchange between Russia and the West. This hope stems from the recent release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, who were imprisoned in Russia on espionage charges. The exchange was widely celebrated, particularly by WNBA star Brittney Griner, who was herself freed from Russian detention earlier this year through a similar prisoner swap.
The case of Ksenia Karelina adds to the growing list of individuals caught in the crossfire of geopolitical tensions. It raises serious concerns about the safety and rights of dual citizens traveling to volatile regions, especially those experiencing active conflict. This case highlights the complex and dangerous implications of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, impacting not only the involved countries but also individuals with ties to both sides.
