Russia Sentences American-Russian Ksenia Karelina to 12 Years in Prison

On August 15, former ballerina Ksenia Karelina, who has dual American-Russian citizenship, received a 12-year sentence in a Russian penal colony. Her sentencing follows allegations that she attempted to fundraise for the Ukrainian military.

Karelina, who resides in California, was arrested in January while in Russia. Authorities accused her of organizing pro-Ukrainian protests and sharing anti-Russian sentiments regarding the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Karelina, also known by her stage name Khavana, was sentenced by the Sverdlovsk Regional Court and intends to appeal the decision.

Her lawyer, Mikhail Mushailov, announced plans to challenge the verdict and seek her release as part of a prisoner exchange agreement. Karelina’s case has drawn attention, particularly in the wake of a recent high-profile prisoner swap involving Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan.

State Department spokesman Vedant Patel emphasized that the U.S. government will persist in efforts to secure the release of all Americans unfairly detained abroad. “This administration is not going to stop working,” Patel stated in response to inquiries about Karelina’s situation.

Chris Van Heerden, Karelina’s boyfriend, has been vocal about his frustrations regarding her detention. He noted that while there was a recent successful prisoner swap, Ksenia was not included in that exchange. “Ksenia should be home, and I’m angry, and I’m trying to hold my composure,” he expressed.

Prosecutors in Russia had initially sought a 15-year sentence for Karelina on charges of high treason, primarily related to her $51 donation to Razom for Ukraine, a charity that provides humanitarian support. The charity expressed astonishment that its involvement was used against Karelina and condemned her arrest.

Karelina was detained in Yekaterinburg, the same city where Gershkovich was also arrested and later charged with espionage. His release was secured through a significant international negotiation, raising concerns about Karelina’s ongoing imprisonment.

During her visit to the country, Karelina was spending time with her elderly parents when she was apprehended. The case has sparked discussions among human rights groups regarding the treatment of dual citizens and the implications of political dissent in Russia.

As international tensions rise and attention remains on the war in Ukraine, Karelina’s legal battle highlights the complexities and risks faced by those who openly support Ukraine within Russia. Advocates for her release are hopeful that diplomatic negotiations can lead to her swift return to the United States.