Importance Score: 65 / 100 🔴
Russian-American Woman Released from Russian Custody After Treason Imprisonment
A Russian-American woman, Ksenia Karelina, who had been incarcerated in Russia on treason charges, has been freed, according to a statement released Thursday by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Karelina, a former ballerina who established a new life in the United States, was reportedly wrongfully detained for over a year.
Ksenia Karelina’s Background
Karelina, originally from Russia, had immigrated to the United States more than a decade ago and was working as a cosmetologist at a spa in Los Angeles. Her life took an unexpected turn when she was detained in Russia while visiting family.
Details of Detention and Imprisonment
Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) apprehended Karelina in January 2024 in Yekaterinburg while she was visiting her parents and younger sister. In August, she was handed a 12-year prison sentence after being accused of treason.
Allegations of Financial Support to Ukraine
According to reports from the Russian legal advocacy group Perviy Otdel, the charges against Karelina may be linked to a small donation. Information suggests she allegedly donated slightly over $50 from her U.S. bank account to a Ukrainian charity on February 24, 2022 – the same day Russia initiated its full-scale military action in Ukraine. The charity was reportedly providing aid to Ukraine.
Unconfirmed Donation Details
U.S. officials have not corroborated the specifics of this alleged donation. NBC News has been unable to independently confirm the exact amount or the precise nature of the donation in question.
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Return to the United States
Secretary Rubio stated in an online post that Karelina “is on a plane back home to the United States,” confirming her release and return after a period of wrongful detention in Russia.
Ongoing Developments
This is a developing story. Please check back for further updates as they become available.