A 33-year-old amateur ballerina holding dual U.S.-Russian citizenship finds herself detained in Russia, facing potential life imprisonment over allegations of contributing $51 to Ukraine’s war efforts.
The Federal Security Service of Russia, the country’s primary domestic intelligence agency, announced the woman’s arrest on charges of treason, accusing her of soliciting funds for the Ukrainian military.
According to the FSB, she has been actively gathering donations since February 2022 for Ukrainian organizations, allegedly utilized to procure tactical medical supplies, equipment, weaponry, and ammunition for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Identified by the independent news outlet Mediazona as Ksenia Karelina, the woman purportedly sent approximately $51 to “Razom for Ukraine,” a nonprofit organization in Ukraine. The arrest has prompted responses from the White House and the State Department, with national security spokesman John Kirby acknowledging awareness of the situation and efforts to secure consular access for the detained individual.
Despite refraining from extensive comments to respect privacy, Kirby reiterated strong warnings about the risks posed to U.S. citizens in Russia and advised prompt departure.
Former DIA intelligence officer Rebekah Koffler characterized the incident as a distressing outcome of escalating tensions between Moscow and Washington, suggesting that Putin’s regime leverages hostage diplomacy as a tool of statecraft.
Koffler cautioned against dual U.S.-Russian citizenship, emphasizing the potential risks associated with such status in light of Russian law’s treatment of citizenship.
Meanwhile, Razom for Ukraine’s CEO Dora Chomiak condemned the arrest, urging the U.S. government to intervene and hold Russia accountable for unjust detentions amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
The detention of Karelina coincides with developments involving Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who remains in custody facing espionage charges.
Despite denials from Gershkovich and the Journal, Russian authorities continue to detain him pending trial. This incident underscores broader concerns about Russia’s treatment of foreign nationals and journalists, with some analysts suggesting a strategic use of detained individuals as bargaining chips amid heightened geopolitical tensions.