Russian-American Sentenced for Treason: Charity Donation Sparks Court Drama

Ksenia Karelina, a Russian-American spa worker, received a 12-year prison term for treason by a Russian court. She was found guilty of donating money to a charity supporting Ukraine. Karelina, who pleaded guilty, is hopeful for a future prisoner swap after being left out of the recent one.

Ksenia Karelina, a Russian-American spa worker, was sentenced to 12 years in prison on Thursday by a Russian court after being found guilty of treason for donating money to a Ukrainian-supporting charity.

The Los Angeles resident admitted guilt at her trial in Yekaterinburg, where the same court recently tried Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich for espionage. Investigators claimed Karelina's funds were used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces for tactical supplies and ammunition.

Her supporters argue she donated merely $51.80 to Razom for Ukraine, a New York-based charity focused on humanitarian aid. Karelina, calm in a glass courtroom cage, was excluded from a major prisoner swap recently but remains hopeful for future exchanges.

(With inputs from agencies.)