U.S.-Russian Citizen Sentenced to 12 Years in Russian Prison for Treason

A dual U.S.-Russian citizen has been sentenced to 12 years in a Russian prison for treason after authorities learned she donated just over $50 to a charity supporting Ukraine.

Background

Ksenia Khavana, 33, sometimes identified by her maiden name of Ksenia Karelina, was arrested in February after travelling to Russia to visit her family. Khavana, a former ballerina, lives in Los Angeles and works at a Beverly Hills spa.

Trial and Sentence

Her closed-door trial took place in Yekaterinburg, a city in the Ural Mountains, before the same court and judge that convicted Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich of espionage. Gershkovich was released from prison early this month as part of a prisoner exchange between Russia and the U.S.

Russia’s Federal Security Service said the US$51.80 that Khavana donated was used to buy weapons deployed against Russia. She “proactively collected money in the interests of one of the Ukrainian organizations, which was subsequently used to purchase tactical medical supplies, equipment, weapons, and ammunition for the Ukrainian armed forces,” the agency said.

Charity’s Denial

Meanwhile, Khavana’s supporters say she donated money to Razom for Ukraine, a U.S.-based charity that provides humanitarian relief to people in Ukraine. The charity denies it provides any military support to Kyiv, writing in a release that it is “focused on humanitarian aid, disaster relief, education and advocacy.”

Boyfriend’s Plea

In a televised interview with CBS, Khavana’s boyfriend Chris van Heerden expressed his anger that the 33-year-old former ballerina was not included in the prisoner swap that freed Gershkovich. “There was a prisoner swap two weeks ago, and Ksenia was not on that list,” he said, adding that he had been pushing the American government to bring her home over the past eight months. “Ksenia should be home, and I’m angry, and I’m trying to hold my composure.”

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Conclusion

The case has raised concerns about Russia’s treatment of dual citizens and its crackdown on dissent. Khavana’s boyfriend has pleaded with the American government to bring her home, and her supporters are calling for her release.

FAQs

Q: What was Ksenia Khavana’s crime?
A: She was sentenced to 12 years in prison for treason after donating $51.80 to a charity supporting Ukraine.

Q: What is the charity that Khavana donated to?
A: Razom for Ukraine, a U.S.-based charity that provides humanitarian relief to people in Ukraine.

Q: Why was Khavana not included in the prisoner swap that freed Gershkovich?
A: The exact reason is unclear, but Khavana’s boyfriend has expressed his anger and frustration at her exclusion.

Q: What is the current situation with Khavana?
A: She is currently serving her 12-year sentence in a Russian prison.