LOS ANGELES, CA – A Russian-American ballerina, Kseniya Karelina, is facing a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years after being arrested in Russia for her alleged involvement in fundraising for Ukraine. The 33-year-old, who became a US citizen in 2021, is being held by Russian authorities on charges of treason, which is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
According to the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), Karelina is accused of providing financial assistance to a foreign state in activities directed against the security of Russia since 2022. The FSB claims that the money collected by Karelina was used to purchase medicine, equipment, weapons, and ammunition in support of the Ukrainian war effort.
The White House has acknowledged the reported arrest and is seeking more information on the situation. The US has also been attempting to secure consular assistance for Karelina. However, obtaining consular assistance may be challenging as Russia does not recognize dual citizenship and considers dual citizens to be Russian citizens first and foremost.
Karelina’s arrest has sparked outrage from Razom for Ukraine, an American charity that provides humanitarian aid, disaster relief, education, and advocacy in Ukraine. The charity expressed dismay at the reports of Karelina’s arrest and clarified that it does not disclose information about its donors.
Footage shared by Russian state-owned news agency Ria Novosti showed officials handcuffing Karelina and escorting her to what appeared to be a courtroom holding cell. The National Security Council spokesman emphasized the dangers of US citizens or dual citizens being in Russia and urged them to leave immediately if possible.
The case has raised concerns about the treatment of dual citizens in Russia and the implications for those who engage in activities perceived as against the country’s security. The situation also highlights the complex diplomatic challenges faced by the US in providing assistance to its citizens detained in foreign countries.