Ksenia Karelina, a dual U.S.-Russian citizen, has pleaded guilty to treason charges in Russia, her lawyer confirmed on Wednesday.
The 33-year-old ballerina and spa employee, who resides in Los Angeles, faces up to 20 years in prison if found guilty. Her case has drawn significant attention due to its political and diplomatic implications.
Karelina was arrested in January while visiting family in Yekaterinburg, a city in the Ural Mountains.
She has been accused of treason for donating approximately $50 to Razom, a New York-based charity that provides humanitarian aid to Ukrainians affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022.
The charity’s mission has been a point of contention, with Russian authorities viewing it as supportive of Ukraine’s war effort.
Her lawyer, Mikhail Mushailov, stated that Karelina admitted her guilt during a closed hearing at the Sverdlovsk Regional Court.
Mushailov indicated that he anticipates the court will deliver its verdict at its next session scheduled for Thursday. However, local media have reported that the verdict might be postponed to a later date.
Treason cases in Russia are typically handled behind closed doors due to the sensitive nature of the information involved.
U.S. Consul General Stuart Wilson was reportedly denied access to Wednesday’s hearing, reflecting the case’s high-profile and sensitive status.
Karelina’s trial is being overseen by the same judge who sentenced U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich to prison for espionage last month.
Gershkovich was subsequently released in a prisoner swap, highlighting the tense and complex nature of U.S.-Russia relations regarding detainees and legal cases.
The case has drawn international attention, particularly from U.S. officials and organizations concerned about Karelina’s detention.
Razom, the charity that received her donation, has called for Karelina’s release and urged U.S. authorities to intervene on her behalf.
The geopolitical dimensions of the case are significant, as it reflects broader tensions between Russia and the West, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The charge of treason, which is one of the most serious offenses under Russian law, underscores the severity with which Russia is treating actions perceived as supporting Ukraine or opposing its policies.
Karelina’s plea and the subsequent legal proceedings are being closely monitored by both international observers and diplomatic officials, given the potential implications for U.S.-Russia relations and the broader context of international diplomacy.