Ksenia Karelina: Russian-American Woman Released from Treason Sentence

Ksenia Karelina, a Russian-American jailed for treason, has been released and is heading to the US. She was sentenced for a $50 donation to a charity supporting Ukraine. Details of her release, possibly linked to a prisoner exchange, remain unclear. Karelina’s case exemplifies escalating diplomatic issues between the US and Russia.

Ksenia Karelina, a Russian-American woman serving a 12-year sentence for treason in Russia, has been released and is reportedly on her way to the United States, as announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on X. The specifics of her release, including whether it involved a prisoner exchange, have yet to be clarified.

Karelina was sentenced in August for making a $50 donation to a US charity supporting Ukraine. Her trial took place in Yekaterinburg, the same court where Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was sentenced to 16 years for espionage last July, revealing concerning patterns of judicial actions within the region.

The release of Karelina follows a historical prisoner swap that included other American detainees, such as former US Marine Paul Whelan and journalist Alsu Kurmasheva. They were exchanged for several Russian citizens, including convicted assassin Vadim Krasikov, highlighting ongoing diplomatic negotiations between the US and Russia.

Karelina, a Los Angeles resident and amateur ballerina who became a US citizen in 2021, traveled to Russia in January 2024 to visit her family, including her 90-year-old grandmother. The US government only became aware of her arrest on February 8, 2024, after almost a month of detention.

This event marks the second release of an American citizen from Russian custody since President Trump resumed his term in office, following the earlier release of American teacher Marc Fogel in February. Fogel was swapped out for the accused Russian money launderer, Alexander Vinnik, indicating a potential shift in the handling of detainees by US officials.

Ksenia Karelina’s release from a Russian prison emphasizes the complexities of international diplomacy and human rights issues, particularly concerning American citizens. After her conviction for treason due to a minor financial donation to a Ukrainian charity, her case reflects the broader geopolitical tensions. This release, alongside others in recent months, highlights ongoing negotiations between the US and Russia amid escalating tensions.

Original Source: news.az