A Russian court has sentenced a Russian-American ballerina to 12 years in prison for treason. Ksenia Karelina was arrested in February 2024 while visiting family in Russia.
Russian authorities took her into custody because she donated about $50 to a New York-based nonprofit organization that provides humanitarian assistance to Ukraine in its war with Russia.
Karelina became a U.S. citizen in 2021 and made the donation in 2022.
Russian authorities argued her funds were used to purchase tactical medical supplies, equipment, weapons and ammunition for the Ukrainian military, framing it as a threat to national security.
Activists have condemned the charges, arguing they stem from an act of charity rather than any intention to undermine the state.
Karelina pleaded guilty on Thursday, Aug. 15, following a closed-door trial earlier in August.
Since invading Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has sharply cracked down on dissent and has passed laws that criminalize criticism of the operation in Ukraine.
Karelina’s sentencing has exacerbated tensions between the United States and Russia, further straining diplomatic relations.
Her conviction follows a notable prisoner exchange that saw the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, in exchange for Russian agents imprisoned in other countries.
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