Russia alleges Russian-American dancer committed treason

Russian officials accuse a Russian-American Ballet dancer of treachery for following a contribution to a charity in Ukraine

Russian-American ballet dancer faced allegations of betrayal from Russian authorities after donating to a Ukrainian charity. 

The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) announced on Tuesday that they had apprehended a 33-year-old individual living in Los Angeles. 

According to the FSB, the woman possessed citizenship in both countries and was accused of participating in public demonstrations supporting the Kyiv government in the United States. 

The FSB stated that since February 2022, she had actively raised funds for a Ukrainian organization, which were then utilized to procure medical supplies, equipment, weapons and ammunition for the Ukrainian military. 

As per a senior U.S. official who spoke to NBC News, the woman in question is a ballerina named Kseniya Karelina; the official mentioned Karelina became a U.S. citizen in 2021. 

Reportedly, Karelina contributed $51.80 to the U.S.-based Ukrainian charity Razom for Ukraine in February 2022, per the Russian legal rights group Perviy Otdel.

If found guilty, she could potentially face a prison sentence of up to 20 years. 

In a statement released Tuesday, Razom expressed shock over the situation, emphasizing their focus on humanitarian aid, disaster relief, education and advocacy. 

Karelina is not the sole American citizen to be detained by Russia following its incursion into Ukraine two years ago. 

Russia arrested Evan Gershkovich, a journalist for The Wall Street Journal, on charges of espionage in March.

The FSB accused Gershkovich of attempting to access classified information, alleging he was acting under U.S. directives.

The 32-year-old has been in custody for almost a year. 

On Tuesday, a Russian court turned down his most recent appeal. The Journal reported on the same day that Gershkovich “will remain in detention until at least March 30.” 

Source: Newsroom