Russia’s security agency arrested a dual US-Russian citizen living in Los Angeles for alleged treason, accusing her of donating $50 to a Ukrainian organization that provides military assistance.
The woman, identified as 33-year-old Ksenia Karelina, was visiting family in Yekaterinburg when detained.
“Perviy Otdel, a group of Russian lawyers who specialize in cases involving accusations of treason and other politically charged allegations, said that the woman had been accused of treason for sending just over $50 to Razom for Ukraine, a New York-based nonprofit organization that sends assistance to the country,” according to the New York Times.
The outlet also reported, “RIA Novosti, a Russian state news agency, published a video it alleged showed the woman, wearing a white hat that covered her eyes, being handcuffed and escorted by masked security service officers.”
If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in prison.
Russia has a history of detaining US citizens on various charges, including former Marine Paul Whelan jailed for espionage in 2018 and journalist Evan Gershkovich arrested in 2023 for alleged spying while reporting in Yekaterinburg.
Some analysts believe Russia may be using detained Americans as bargaining chips amid tensions over Ukraine.
At least two US citizens arrested recently in Russia were later exchanged for imprisoned Russians.
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