Russian-American Dual Citizen Arrested in Russia on Treason Charges
Russia has detained a US-Russian dual citizen, Ksenia Khavana, on treason charges, accusing her of raising funds for Ukraine’s army. The arrest was made by the FSB security service, which claimed that Khavana, residing in Los Angeles, had organized fundraisers for a Ukrainian group, using the funds for medical supplies, equipment, weapons, and ammunition. The arrest of Khavana took place in Ekaterinburg, where she was denied bail, and she has been held in custody ever since.
American Woman Faces Charges of Supporting Ukraine
The detained woman, Ksenia Khavana, aged 32, was initially taken into custody in January for allegedly violating public order. Later on, the FSB officers charged her with treason, linking her actions to the day President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Russia’s neighboring country in 2022. The charges against Khavana are related to a monetary transaction of $51.80 sent from her US bank account to the New York-based non-profit group, Razom for Ukraine.
Russian Authorities’ Controversial Arrest Practices
Russia’s practice of detaining suspects on lesser charges before leveling more serious accusations is commonly observed. This approach was also employed in Khavana’s case as she was initially arrested for violating public order before facing treason charges. It is worth noting that in recent years, Moscow has seized several US citizens, often using them as bargaining chips for the exchange of valuable Russians in custody.
Past Cases of Arrested US Citizens in Russia
The most recent example of such a prisoner exchange involves US basketball star Brittney Griner, who was released after pleading guilty to drug charges in exchange for notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout. Also, journalist Evan Gershkovich of the Wall Street Journal and Marine veteran Paul Whelan faced arrest and imprisonment on espionage charges. The US denies these charges against their citizens, causing ongoing tensions between the two nations. Additionally, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reporter Alsu Kurmasheva remains detained on charges of violating a law on “foreign agents.”
Increase in Treason and Espionage Prosecutions in Russia
Since the commencement of the Ukraine war, the FSB security service has dramatically increased the number of prosecutions related to charges of treason, espionage, and collaborating with foreign entities, involving both Russian citizens and individuals with dual citizenship. As of 2023, at least 101 individuals in Russia have been charged under these statutes, surpassing the combined totals of previous years. The majority of these cases have resulted in guilty verdicts.
