Moscow Detains US-Russian Citizen for Treason

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Facts

  • Los Angeles-based ballerina Ksenia Karelina — a dual US-Russian citizen — was arrested in Russia on suspicion of treason for donating to a US-based charity supporting Ukraine's war effort. She faces between 12 and 20 years in prison if convicted.1
  • Russia's Federal Security Service, which didn't reveal her name, alleged that Karelina 'has been proactively collecting funds' for Ukraine that have been used for 'the acquisition of tactical medical items, equipment, and ammunition.'2
  • The 33-year-old, an esthetician at a spa in Beverly Hills, was reportedly in Russia to visit family members. Her donation was allegedly $51.80, though the charity said it doesn't disclose information about its donors.1
  • US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said that while Washington has sought consular assistance in the case, it may be denied, as Russia doesn't acknowledge dual citizenship and 'considers [dual citizens] to be Russian citizens first.'3
  • News of Karelina's arrest came after a Russian court ruled to keep the Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich in prison until the end of March. He is awaiting trial on charges of espionage.4

Sources: 1NBC, 2tass.com, 3Sky News and 4FOX News.

Narratives

  • Anti-Russia narrative, as provided by New York Times. While this news certainly isn't surprising, it does provide more evidence of Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin's willingness to arrest any and all opposition — even citizens of the US. Karelina donated a meager amount to support humanitarian aid to struggling Ukrainians, and in return, she was slapped with one of the harshest criminal charges possible. She is yet another Russian political prisoner caught in the crosshairs of this conflict.
  • Pro-Russia narrative, as provided by aa.com. For the West to criticize Russia while it seeks to extradite and prosecute Julian Assange is ludicrous. Not only is Assange a journalist, but he's also an Australian citizen. Furthermore, the EU has also arrested a Russian journalist for allegedly violating sanctions. The West, primarily the US, has no business interjecting into Russian affairs while it simultaneously violates its self-proclaimed value of freedom of expression.

Predictions