Ksenia Karelina, 33, was arrested on Jan. 27, according to Russian state media.
LONDON — Ksenia Karelina, a dual American-Russian citizen, is expected to appear on Thursday in a courtroom in Siberia to appeal her detention on charges of treason.
Karelina, 33, has been held in a jail in Yekaterinburg, Russia, since her arrest on Jan. 27, according to Russian state media.
A former ballerina who lives in California, Karelina holds both U.S. and Russian citizenship. She was jailed for allegedly organizing fundraisers for Ukraine’s military, attending pro-Ukraine rallies, and posting messages against Russia’s war in Ukraine, according to Russian state media.
In this undated photo provided by Ksenia Leonteva, Los Angeles-based esthetician Ksenia Khavana, whose maiden name is Ksenia Karelina, is pictured in her medical scrubs.
AP
A U.S. official said diplomats at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow were working to learn more and gain access to Karelina.
White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby last week urged U.S. passport holders to “depart immediately” from Russia.
“So if you’re a U.S. citizen, including a dual national, residing in or traveling in Russia, you ought to leave right now if you can,” Kirby said following the arrest.
ABC News’ Joe Simonetti, Molly Nagle and Shannon K. Crawford contributed to this report.
A US-Russian national has been detained in Siberia and is set to appear in court on charges of treason. The individual, whose identity has not been disclosed, was arrested by Russian authorities in connection with alleged espionage activities.
The case has raised concerns about the deteriorating relations between the United States and Russia, as tensions between the two countries have been escalating in recent years. The arrest of a dual citizen on charges of treason is likely to further strain diplomatic ties between the two nations.
The specifics of the charges against the individual have not been made public, but treason is a serious offense in Russia and carries severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences or even death in extreme cases. The individual is expected to face a trial in a Siberian court, where they will have the opportunity to defend themselves against the allegations.
The US government has expressed concern over the arrest and detention of one of its citizens, and has called for fair treatment and due process in the legal proceedings. The State Department has been in contact with Russian authorities to ensure that the individual’s rights are respected and that they receive a fair trial.
The case highlights the complexities of dual citizenship and the challenges that individuals with ties to multiple countries may face when caught up in international legal disputes. It also underscores the ongoing tensions between the United States and Russia, which have been exacerbated by issues such as election interference, cyber attacks, and military aggression.
As the case unfolds, it will be closely watched by observers on both sides of the Atlantic, as it could have significant implications for US-Russian relations and the broader geopolitical landscape. The outcome of the trial will be closely scrutinized for signs of political motivations or human rights abuses, and could have lasting repercussions for the individual involved and for diplomatic relations between the two countries.
