A Court in Russia Sentences Dual National Citizen to 12 Years in Prison for 'Treason'

A court in Russia has deemed a dual Russian-American citizen guilty of 'treason' for donating $51 to a charity supporting Ukraine and sentenced her to 12 years in prison. Russian media reports claim that Ksenia Karolina, an amateur ballerina, confessed to her 'crime' during a closed-door trial. The 33-year-old, who moved from Russia to Los Angeles 12 years ago and became a U.S. citizen three years ago, donated the amount to a charity named 'Razum' at the onset of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. She was arrested seven months ago while visiting family in Yekaterinburg, and authorities discovered the donation through her mobile phone. The Russian prosecutor's office charged Karolina with 'high treason' and requested a 15-year sentence. The Federal Security Service of Russia alleged that funds raised by the 'Razum' foundation were used to purchase weapons, medical supplies, and ammunition for the Ukrainian army, a claim that 'Razum' has denied. Karolina was tried in the same court where Evan Gershkovich, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, was also tried on charges of 'espionage.' Gershkovich was released about two weeks ago in a major prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Russia. Karolina's lawyer expressed hope that she might regain her freedom in a future exchange and return to the U.S. Two other American citizens remain imprisoned in Russia: Gordon Black, a soldier sentenced to three years and nine months for assaulting and stealing from his Russian girlfriend, and Mark Vogel, a former teacher sentenced to 14 years for possessing drugs for 'medical use.' Vladimir Putin's government is accused of significantly expanding its crackdown on dissent and critics of the war since its invasion of Ukraine two and a half years ago.