Topline
Russian-American Ksenia Karelina stood trial in a Russian court on Thursday, after Russian officials claimed she committed treason by fundraising for Ukraine’s military because of an alleged $51.80 donation to a pro-Ukraine charity.
The woman, a Los Angeles resident, is accused of donating just over $50 to a Ukrainian charity.
Key Facts
Karelina, 33, faces a closed-door trial in Yekaterinburg, Russia, on charges of treason, though the court reportedly adjourned the case until Aug. 7 on Thursday for an unspecified reason.
Karelina, who was born in Russia and became a U.S. citizen in 2021, was arrested at a Russian airport in February while on her way to visit her 90-year-old grandmother, her boyfriend Chris Van Heerden told NBC, after the couple vacationed in Instabul for four days.
Van Heerden—who returned to California—said he purchased Karelina’s plane tickets to Russia as a gift because she was feeling homesick.
Russia’s Federal Security Service announced the arrest of an unnamed Los Angeles resident at the time, alleging a person with dual citizenship in Russia and the U.S. was “proactively collecting funds in the interests of a Ukrainian organization” since February 2022, according to the Russian state-run outlet Tass.
Karelina is accused of donating $51.80 to the New York-based charity Razom for Ukraine, according to the Beverly Hills, California spa she previously worked for.
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told ABC 7 the U.S. Embassy in Moscow was trying to contact Karelina, though he said Russia has not recognized any dual Russian-American’s U.S. citizenship and would likely not grant access.
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What To Watch For
Evan Gershkovich, the Wall Street Journal reporter charged with espionage, will face a trial in the same Russian court on Wednesday. His trial will also be held behind closed doors.
Further Reading
Elaine Hadley is a dedicated journalist covering the ever-evolving landscape of U.S. news. With a keen interest in politics and a commitment to uncovering the truth, she provides insightful commentary and in-depth analysis on domestic issues. When not reporting, Elaine enjoys exploring the diverse cultures and landscapes of the United States.
