Kseniya Karelina faces up to 20 years in prison after being arrested in Russia on suspicion of donating to a charity supporting the war in Ukraine.
Wednesday 21 February 2024 10:26, UK
Russian authorities have detained a Los Angeles-based ballerina on suspicion of treason for participating in a fundraiser for Ukraine.
Russian-American ballerina Kseniya Karelina is being held in Russia, a senior US official told Sky News' US partner NBC News.
The 33-year-old became a U.S. citizen in 2021, according to U.S. officials.
Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) said the woman, who did not name her, had been “involved in financing foreign countries in activities contrary to the security of our country” since 2022.
She collected funds that were spent on medicines, equipment, weapons and ammunition in Ukraine's war effort, the statement said.
In Russia, treason is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Karelina is currently being held under a pre-trial detention order.
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The White House said it was aware of the reported arrest and was seeking further information.
Karelina entered Russia on January 2, and the United States learned of her arrest on February 8, a US official told NBC News.
Razom for Ukraine, a US charity that claims to provide “humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, education and advocacy” in Ukraine, said it was “appalled” by reports of the arrest.
Karelina reportedly donated to charity after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, but told NBC that the charity does not share information about its donors.
Footage shared by Russia's state news agency Ria Novosti showed officers handcuffing the woman, whose face could not be seen because she was wearing a hat, and taking her to what appeared to be a court holding area.
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National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters he could not comment much on the matter, but said it was dangerous for U.S. citizens and dual citizens to be in Russia.
“If you are a U.S. citizen, including dual citizens, living or traveling to Russia, you should leave now if you can,” Kirby said. “Please leave immediately.”
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a briefing Tuesday that the United States has requested consular assistance but has not yet been granted it.
Securing consular assistance could be difficult because Russia does not recognize dual citizenship and “considers people to be Russian citizens first and foremost,” he said.
