Ksenia Karelina Biography 2024  Details

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Early life

Karelina was born in Russia, specifically in Yekaterinburg. Karelina moved to the United States in 2012 and became a citizen in 2021. She had previously lived in Los Angeles. Ksenia Karelina is a Russian-American woman who has been arrested and charged with treason by the Russian government. The FSB is accusing Karelina of taking part in “public actions to support the Kyiv regime.” She is facing life in prison as a result.

Personal Life Informations

Arrest

Karelina was detained in early 2024 in Yekaterinburg. The Russian government charged her with treason when she sent $51.80 to Razom for Ukraine, a New York City-based charity group that delivers aid to Ukraine. She admitted guilt on August 7, 2024. She is still awaiting sentence.

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What are the charges against Ksenia

Karelina, a former Los Angeles resident who got US citizenship after marrying an American man, reportedly donated $51.80 to Razom, a Ukrainian human rights charity, from her American bank account on the day Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Russian officials have detained her in pre-trial detention. If found guilty of high treason, she may spend 12-20 years in prison. The arrest has prompted worries regarding Russia’s crackdown on perceived dissent and treatment of dual citizens. Karelina’s case shows the risks faced by persons with ties to both the United States and Russia during rising tensions between the two countries.

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There could be other similar cases

This incident occurs amid a broader crackdown by Russian authorities on persons seen to be supporting Ukraine or criticizing the Russian government. A similar case may be that of Lolita Bogdanova, a model who staged a topless protest in front of the Kremlin and is now based in California. According to American media, the country’s security agencies are searching for Bogdanova. Karelina’s detention highlights the obstacles encountered by people attempting to negotiate Russia’s complex political landscape, as well as the potential consequences of conduct judged disloyal by the government.

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Repressive climate

The woman, a beauty salon employee from Los Angeles, arrived in Ekaterinburg on January 17 to visit her parents and 90-year-old grandmother. At the airport, customs officers allegedly checked her phone and uncovered evidence of a bank transfer from her American bank account on February 24, 2022, the first day of the invasion of Ukraine. The Razom for Ukraine charity, which assists Ukrainian residents, received a total of $51.80 (€48). Its only military-oriented operation is the purchasing of medical supplies for front-line nurses.

Who is Ksenia Karelina? American ballerina detained for ‘high treason’ in Russia; White House raises alarm

Ksenia Karelina, a ballerina from Russia and America, got arrested in Yekaterinburg by Russian authorities for treason. News reports say that the Federal Security Service detained her. There is a video of her being taken to court with blurred face circulated in the media. When the video was recorded remains unclear. Karelina, who lived in Los Angeles and became a US citizen recently, used to post about her life in the US on social media. She got married last year to an American whose name is not revealed yet.

Karelina initially faced minor charges, but she was later accused of supporting the military in Ukraine by transferring $51.80 from her U.S. bank account to the Ukrainian charity Razom. The FSB stated that she had been actively raising funds since February 2022 for a Ukrainian group, which were then used to buy medical supplies, gear, weapons, and ammunition for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as per Moscow Times.

The law enforcement agency stated that the individual participated in public activities supporting the Kyiv regime while in the United States. In Russia, being accused of treason results in severe prison sentences, with 63 individuals facing treason charges since 2023, and 37 of them being convicted.

Who is Ksenia Karelina?

Karelina attended the S. P. Diaghilev school in Yekaterinburg for ballet training, as indicated on her Facebook page. After graduating from Ural Federal University in 2013, she began her career in Baltimore, Maryland in 2014. Mediazona reported that the charges against Karelina evolved from minor offenses to accusations of high treason. In 2021, she ceased using Russian social media platforms after acquiring U.S. citizenship. Her LinkedIn profile shows her employment history as a manager at Ciel Spa Beverly Hills starting in 2019. The White House is looking into the case of a dual Russian-American ballerina who was arrested on suspicion of treason by Putin’s FSB, urging American citizens in Moscow to depart immediately. White House spokesman John Kirby mentioned during a Tuesday briefing, “We are seeking additional information and working to secure consular access to the individual.” Her family, on the other hand, was shocked by her detention and mentioned that she was expected to return home soon.

White House scrambles for more info, raises alarm for other US citizens

The White House is seeking more information about a dual Russian-American ballerina detained on suspicion of treason by Putin’s FSB. They advise all American citizens in Moscow to leave immediately. White House spokesman John Kirby stated they are working on securing consular access for the individual. Kirby warned all American citizens, including dual Russian citizens, to depart Russia immediately. He emphasized the danger to U.S. citizens in Russia and urged those with U.S. citizenship or passports not to travel to Russia. Karelina’s detention brings the total number of American detainees in Russia to 21, including writer Evan Gershkovich, former Marine Paul Whelan, and David Barnes, who was sentenced to 21 years for child abuse. Karelina’s arrest was announced alongside the extension of Gershkovich’s pre-trial detention.

Family and Personal Life

Ksenia Karelina‘ father’s name is Not Available and Ksenia Karelina‘ mother’s name is Not Available.

Relationship with Chris Van Heerden: Ksenia, the girlfriend of professional boxer Chris Van Heerden, has been detained in her homeland on questionable treason charges. Van Heerden has recently addressed her situation, seeking financial support to cover her legal fees. On his Instagram page, the boxer shared a video of Ksenia dancing and smiling on Christmas morning at their shared home in Los Angeles, urging followers to ‘#PrayforKsenia.’ In the caption, he described her as a kind-hearted individual who always sees the best in others, highlighting her joyful and humorous nature.

Ksenia Karelina Trivia

• Ksenia Karelina was born in Yekaterinburg, Russia.
• Ksenia Karelina’s birth sign is Sagittarius.
• Arrest and Charges: Ksenia Karelina, a 32-year-old Russian-American ballerina, was arrested in Russia in January and charged with high treason.
• Senate Involvement: Senate Foreign Relations Ranking Member Sen. Jim Risch is actively seeking additional information on Karelina’s arrest, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
• Concerns Raised: Risch expresses concern about Karelina’s arrest, highlighting Putin’s regime’s oppressive tactics for stifling dissent and silencing critics of the government.
• Pledge of Support: Risch pledges full support in determining the details of Karelina’s arrest and ensuring that the United States stands by her during this difficult time.
• Treason Charges: Karelina faces treason charges in Russia for allegedly sending a small sum of money ($51.80) to a Ukrainian charity, a seemingly insignificant act that could result in a 20-year prison sentence.
• Background: Karelina, who lives in Beverly Hills, California, works at a spa and visited her family in Russia on January 2.
• Immediate Arrest: When Karelina arrived in Moscow, she was immediately arrested and subjected to a grueling 13-hour interrogation before being confined to a freezing jail cell.
• Misunderstood intentions: Close friend Isabella Koretz emphasizes Karelina’s innocence, describing her as an aesthetician with no political affiliations who only wanted to help others.
• Public Arrest: Karelina’s arrest became public when she was detained on a public square by multiple agencies, including the FSB, further exacerbating her ordeal.
• Extended Detention: Each court appearance sees Karelina’s sentence extended, prolonging her legal battle and adding to the uncertainty surrounding her case.
• International Concern: The White House also expresses concern over Karelina’s arrest, seeking more information and advocating for consular access to ensure her rights are protected.
• Warnings to American Citizens: White House spokesman John Kirby issues warnings to American citizens, advising those in Russia, including dual nationals, to leave immediately due to safety concerns.
• Accusations by FSB: The FSB accuses Karelina of actively collecting funds for a Ukrainian organization, alleging that the money was used to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
• Involvement in Protests: Additionally, Karelina is accused of participating in public actions supporting the Kyiv regime while residing in the United States, as reported by The Moscow Times.
• International Tension: Karelina’s case adds to the growing number of Americans detained in Russia, including former Marine Paul Whelan and Texas resident David Barnes, amidst escalating tensions between the two nations.
• Ongoing Legal Proceedings: On the same day as Karelina’s arrest, another American, Gershkovich, appeared in court in Moscow, facing an extension of his pre-trial detention, further highlighting the precarious situation facing Americans in Russia.
• Social Media Presence: Karelina’s social media accounts were deactivated following her arrest, limiting public access to information about her personal life.
• Education and Career: Prior to her arrest, Karelina pursued a career in ballet, showcasing her talent and passion for dance. She went to Gymnasium 8, Diaghilev lyceum and studied at УрФУ according to her Facebook account.
• Community Support: Friends and colleagues rally behind Karelina, advocating for her innocence and demanding fair treatment under the law.
• Impact on Family: Karelina’s arrest has undoubtedly taken a toll on her family, who are left grappling with the uncertainty surrounding her legal predicament.
• Legal Defense: Karelina’s legal team works tirelessly to defend her against the charges brought by Russian authorities while navigating a complex legal landscape.
• Diplomatic Efforts: Diplomatic channels are used to address Karelina’s case and seek a resolution, emphasizing the international significance of her arrest.
• Human Rights Concerns: Karelina’s case highlights concerns about human rights violations and the rule of law in Russia, prompting calls for accountability and justice.
• Media Coverage: The case receives widespread media attention, shedding light on the plight of individuals caught up in geopolitical tensions between countries.
• Public Outcry: Karelina’s arrest has sparked a national and international outcry, fueling calls for transparency and due process.
• Legal representation: Karelina receives legal representation to protect her rights and ensure a fair hearing in her case.
• Cultural Exchange: Karelina’s arrest highlights the difficulties that individuals involved in cultural exchange and international relations face in the context of strained diplomatic relations.
• Impact on Bilateral Relations: The fallout from Karelina’s arrest has implications for bilateral relations between the United States and Russia, highlighting the fragility of diplomatic ties.
• Personal Sacrifices: Karelina’s ordeal exemplifies the personal sacrifices made by individuals caught up in geopolitical conflicts beyond their control.
• Hope for Resolution: Despite the challenges, there remains hope for a peaceful resolution to Karelina’s case, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving international disputes.