US Ballerina Faces 15 Years In Russian Prison For Ukraine Charity Donation

- Ksenia faces a potential 15-year prison sentence
- He pleaded guilty to treason charges
- The case has drawn international condemnation
A Russian-American ballerina faces a potential 15-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to treason charges for donating a small sum of money to a Ukrainian charity.
Ksenia Karelina, a dual citizen, was arrested in Russia earlier this year while visiting family.
Prosecutors allege that the $50 donation to the Razom charity was used to fund tactical supplies for the Ukrainian military.
Karelina’s lawyer, Mikhail Mushailov, has contested the severity of the charges, arguing that his client cooperated fully with the investigation and that the requested sentence is excessive.
The case has drawn international condemnation, with critics highlighting the increasingly repressive climate in Russia.
Karelina’s situation has also raised concerns about the safety of dual citizens visiting the country.
The ballerina was ineligible for inclusion in a recent prisoner exchange between Russia and Western nations.
Her legal team is now focused on securing her release through other means.