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Russian authorities have detained a woman who is a Los Angeles resident and dual national on suspicion of treason for raising funds to support Ukraine in its defense against the Kremlin\u2019s invasion.<\/p>\n
A senior U.S. official confirmed to NBC News that the detained American is Kseniya Karelina, a Russian-American ballerina.\u00a0Karelina, 33, became a U.S. citizen in 2021, a U.S. official said.<\/p>\n
The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) in the Ural Mountains city of Yekaterinburg said early Tuesday that the woman, who it did not name, has dual Russian-American citizenship. The White House said it was working to secure consular access.<\/p>\n
Since 2022, that woman has been \u201cinvolved in providing financial assistance to a foreign state in activities directed against the security of our country,\u201d the statement said.<\/p>\n
The statement added the suspect collected money that was spent on medicine, equipment, weapons and ammunition in the Ukrainian war effort. No other details nor a description of any evidence were released.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn addition, in the United States, this citizen repeatedly took part in public actions in support of the Kiev regime,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n
Karelina entered Russia on Jan. 2, and the U.S. learned on Feb. 8 that she had been arrested, a U.S. official said.<\/p>\n
She is accused of treason under article 275 of the Russian Criminal Code, which is punishable by 12 to 20 years in prison, as well as confiscation of property. <\/p>\n
As with previous arrests of foreign- and dual-nationals, the woman is detained under a pre-trial custody order. <\/p>\n
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters that he couldn\u2019t comment much on the case, but that the White House and State Department are gathering more information. He said that it is dangerous for U.S, citizens or dual citizens to be in Russia right now.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you\u2019re a U.S. citizen, including a dual national, residing in or traveling in Russia, you ought to leave right now if you can,\u201d Kirby said. “Just depart immediately.”<\/p>\n
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said at a briefing Tuesday that the U.S. is seeking consular assistance, but that has not yet been granted.<\/p>\n
\u201cRussia does not recognize dual citizenship, considers them to be Russian citizens first and foremost,\u201d Miller said. \u201cAnd so oftentimes we have a difficult time getting consular assistance, but we will pursue it in all matters where a U.S. citizen is detained.\u201d<\/p>\n