A Court in Russia Sentences a Russian-American Dual Citizen to 12 Years in Prison

A court in Russia on Thursday, August 25, sentenced Ksenia Karlina, a 33-year-old dual Russian-American citizen, to 12 years in prison for donating money to a charity supporting Ukraine. The closed court session for this dual citizen residing in Los Angeles took place in Yekaterinburg, Russia, presided over by the same judge who convicted Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich of 'espionage.' According to the court's claims, Ms. Karlina donated money to a Ukrainian organization on the first day of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which was used to purchase 'tactical medical supplies, equipment, combat tools, and ammunition' for the Ukrainian armed forces. In contrast, Ksenia Karlina's defenders state that she donated $51.80 to a New York-based charity that provides humanitarian aid to children and the elderly in Ukraine. This charity has denied allegations of military assistance to the Ukrainian army. The sentencing of this dual citizen comes just two weeks after a prisoner exchange agreement, where 16 Western and Russian citizens were released from prisons in Russia and Belarus in exchange for eight prisoners in Western countries. Ms. Karlina's lawyer stated outside the court on Thursday that they are trying to include her in future prisoner exchange agreements. Referring to her decision to appeal, the lawyer added that Ms. Karlina acknowledged the donation but was unaware that the money would be used for 'activities against Russia.' Meanwhile, Reuters reported, citing a spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, that the United States takes its commitment to its citizens abroad seriously. The news agency also quoted a lawyer specializing in 'treason' and 'espionage' cases in Russia, stating that given the charges against Ksenia Karlina, the likelihood of a reduction to a sentence of less than 12 years is low. Ms. Karlina immigrated to the United States in 2012 through a work-study program and became a U.S. citizen in 2021. She was detained by Russian intelligence while visiting Yekaterinburg to see her family earlier this year. Just three days before her scheduled return to the U.S., she was detained for 15 days. Family and friends of this dual citizen have stated that she has no interest in politics and are shocked by her detention by Russia.