In a case that has sparked international outrage, a Russian court has sentenced ballerina Ksenia Karelina to 12 years in prison for making a $51.80 donation to a U.S. charity that supports Ukraine. Karelina, who holds dual American and Russian citizenship, had been living in Los Angeles before traveling to Russia to visit her family. During her visit, she was arrested and accused of aiding an organization that allegedly purchases arms for the Ukrainian army.
The trial, held behind closed doors, culminated in Karelina pleading guilty to a charge of high treason. The Russian government claimed that her donation constituted a direct act of support for Ukraine’s military efforts against Russia, a serious offense under Russian law, especially given the ongoing conflict between the two nations.
Karelina’s case has drawn sharp criticism from the U.S. government. White House National Security Advisor John Kirby expressed deep concern over the sentence, calling it “unacceptable” and indicative of the increasingly harsh measures Russia is taking against those perceived to be supporting Ukraine. Kirby noted that the State Department is actively working on securing Karelina’s release, although she was notably absent from a recent prisoner swap between the U.S. and Russia.
Karelina’s harsh sentence has underscored the dangers faced by individuals in Russia who express any form of support for Ukraine, even indirectly. Her case is expected to put further strain on U.S.-Russia relations, as diplomatic efforts to free her continue.
The international community, particularly human rights organizations, has condemned the sentence, calling it a disproportionate response to what they view as a minor act of charity. As the case gains more attention, pressure is mounting on Russia to reconsider the conviction and release Karelina, who remains in a Russian prison awaiting further developments in her case.
