Russian authorities have detained a Los Angeles woman, accusing her of treason for her alleged financial contributions to Ukrainian military efforts. The Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia identified the woman as a 33-year-old dual U.S.-Russian citizen residing in Los Angeles, arrested in Yekaterinburg, central Russia.
According to the FSB, since February 2022, she has been "proactively collecting funds in the interests of one of the Ukrainian organizations," which were then allocated for the purchase of tactical medical supplies, equipment, weapons, and ammunition for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
This case adds to the growing list of U.S. citizens facing legal challenges in Russia, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, detained in Yekaterinburg on espionage charges, and Paul Whelan, another American held over espionage allegations. Russian President Vladimir Putin hinted at a potential resolution for Gershkovich and Whelan's situation in December, though Russia had previously declined a U.S. proposal for a prisoner exchange involving the two men.
Amidst these developments, the White House has announced impending comprehensive sanctions against Russia, a response to the alleged assassination of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. John Kirby, the White House's national security communications adviser, confirmed the planned sanctions, emphasizing the U.S. government's stance against Russia's internal and external policies.
The arrested woman, identified by Russia's Mediazona outlet as Ksenia Karelina, reportedly engaged in activities beyond financial contributions, including participating in public rallies in support of Ukraine while in the U.S. State media have circulated a video of Karelina, her identity concealed, being escorted by a camouflaged officer. Reports suggest that Karelina transferred a mere $51.80 from an American bank account to Razom, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering a democratic Ukraine, an act now scrutinized under Russia's stringent treason laws, potentially leading to a 20-year prison sentence.
This incident occurs amidst a backdrop of increasing crackdowns on journalists and dual citizens in Russia, exemplified by the detention of Alsu Kurmasheva, another U.S.-Russian journalist, last year. As these cases unfold, they spotlight the intricate and fraught nature of U.S.-Russia relations, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and broader geopolitical tensions.
