Ksenia Karelina : “Russia Accuses US Citizen of Treason”

Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) announced on Tuesday the arrest of a 33-year-old dual citizen of the United States and Russia in the city of Yekaterinburg. The woman, identified as Ksenia Karelina, is accused of treason for allegedly collecting funds for Ukrainian organizations and supporting Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine.

According to the FSB, Karelina has been actively raising funds since February 2022 for a Ukrainian organization that used the money to purchase tactical medicine, equipment, weapons, and ammunition for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Karelina, who had received U.S. citizenship after marrying an American, is facing charges under Article 275 of the Russian Criminal Code, which carries a penalty of 12 to 20 years in prison. She has been placed in pre-trial detention as the investigation continues.

Support for Karelina from nonprofit organization

Reports indicate that Karelina had donated just over $50 to Razom for Ukraine, a nonprofit organization based in New York that provides assistance to Ukraine. In response to her arrest, CEO Dora Chomiak expressed shock and stated that their organization focuses on humanitarian aid, disaster relief, education, and advocacy.

International response to the arrest

The U.S. government is aware of Karelina’s arrest and is seeking more information to provide consular support. White House national security spokesman John Kirby urged U.S. citizens, including dual nationals, to leave Russia immediately due to the risks involved.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller noted that Russia does not recognize dual citizenship and considers dual nationals to be Russian citizens first and foremost.

Previous cases of Americans detained in Russia

Several other Americans have been detained in Russia in recent years, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, and WNBA star Brittney Griner. These cases have raised concerns about the treatment of foreigners in Russian custody.

The arrest of Ksenia Karelina comes at a time of heightened tensions between Russia and the United States, with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and other geopolitical issues adding to the strain on diplomatic relations.

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