A Russian court has sentenced Ksenia Karelina, a dual US-Russian citizen, to 12 years in prison for treason after she donated $51 to a charity supporting Ukraine. Karelina, an amateur ballerina, was arrested in January 2024 during a family visit to Yekaterinburg, Russia, and pleaded guilty to the charges in a closed-door trial last week.
Prosecutors had sought a 15-year jail term, but the court sentenced her to 12 years in a general regime penal colony. Karelina, who became a US citizen in 2021, was living in Los Angeles before her arrest. Her case has raised concerns about the severity of Russia’s treason laws and the treatment of dual citizens.
The donation to a Ukraine-supporting charity was deemed a treasonous act by Russian authorities, highlighting the country’s strict stance on support for Ukraine. Karelina’s sentence serves as a warning to others who may consider showing support for Ukraine or engaging in activities deemed treasonous by the Russian government.
The case has sparked international attention, with many criticizing Russia’s handling of the situation. Karelina’s fate remains uncertain, with her imprisonment marking a significant escalation in Russia’s crackdown on perceived dissent.
