Russian-American Faces 15 Years for Ukraine Charity Donation

Ksenia Karelina, a Russian-American, faces a 15-year prison sentence in Russia for donating $51.80 to a Ukraine-supporting charity. Arrested during a family visit, she pleaded guilty in hopes of leniency but still awaits sentencing. Her lawyer hopes for a future prisoner exchange to secure her release.

Russian prosecutors demanded a 15-year sentence for Ksenia Karelina, a Russian-American woman accused of treason for donating around $50 to a charity supporting Ukraine.

Karelina, a Los Angeles spa employee, pleaded guilty in Yekaterinburg. Sentencing is set for Aug. 15. Her lawyer, Mikhail Mushailov, aims for a future prisoner swap.

Arrested after visiting family, investigators charged her with treason upon finding the donation on her phone. The charity, Razom, stated it was appalled by her arrest, emphasizing its humanitarian focus. Journalists were barred from the courtroom, a standard procedure for treason cases.

(With inputs from agencies.)