According to the reports made public on Tuesday, February 20th, Ksenia Karelina, a ballerina with dual Russian-American citizenship, has been detained on suspicion of treason by the Federal Security Service (FSB) under the leadership of Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. The arrest took place in Yekaterinburg, located over 1,400 kilometers east of Moscow.
The 33-year-old individual, Ksenia Karelina, stands accused of sending slightly more than $50 to Razom for Ukraine, a nonprofit organization based in New York that provides aid to Ukraine. She was arrested in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg on charges of allegedly using the funds "to acquire tactical medical items, equipment, tools of destruction, and ammunition for the Ukrainian armed forces."
The law enforcement agency claimed that the individual in question participated in public events multiple times in the United States to express support for the Kyiv regime. On the day Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Karelina contributed $51.80 to a Ukrainian human rights nonprofit from her American bank account. The U.S.-Russian woman has been placed in pre-trial detention by Russian authorities, and she could potentially face a life sentence if convicted of high treason.
The mother-in-law of a Russian-American is appealing to the White House for intervention after Ksenia was charged with high treason in Russia for contributing $51 to the Ukrainian cause. Eleonora Srebroski expressed her fears on Tuesday, stating, that If America doesn't provide assistance, Ksenia could face a lifetime in jail. She further alleged that she is anxious for Ksenia’s safety and worried that the latter may be subjected to physical harm or even death while in prison.
Residing in Los Angeles, Karelina obtained US citizenship in 2021. Her social media profiles are filled with pictures capturing her joyful moments and love for life in the US. She tied the knot with her husband, Eugene Khavana, who hails from Russia as well, in the United States in 2013 after they first crossed paths in Maryland.
Key points:
- Accusations are contested: Ksenia's family and supporters deny the allegations, maintaining her innocence.
- Case ongoing: Legal proceedings are underway, and no judgement has been reached.
- Sensitive situation: The case has gained international attention due to its political context and potential implications for US-Russia relations.
