Spa Worker Ksenia Karelina Sentenced to 12 Years in Russian Penal Colony for Treason Over Ukraine Donation

Aug 15, 2024, 11:05 AM

Ksenia Karelina, a dual American-Russian citizen and spa worker, has been sentenced to 12 years in a Russian penal colony on charges of treason. The Russian court found her guilty for donating $51.80 to Razom, a New York-based charity that provides humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Karelina, a former ballerina, made the donation from her U.S. bank account while living in the United States. She was arrested in January 2024 upon visiting Yekaterinburg, Russia, to see her family. The case has drawn international attention and criticism, with allegations of 'vindictive cruelty' from the U.S. presidency.