The White House expressed concern following Russia’s announcement of the arrest of a US-Russian dual citizen on charges of treason.
The individual, identified as Ksenia Khavana, allegedly donated $51 to Ukrainian organizations and openly criticized Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
“A Russian legal NGO revealed that Khavana may face charges for transferring $51 to a Ukrainian charity in February 2022, coinciding with Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, potentially resulting in a 20-year prison sentence.”
The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) disclosed the detention of a 33-year-old woman with dual citizenship, originally from Los Angeles.
Khavana had studied at the Ural Federal University in Ekaterinburg before marrying an American and relocating to the US.
“Photographs circulating on social media depict Khavana proudly holding her US naturalization papers alongside American flags.”
US National Security Spokesperson John Kirby reiterated warnings for US citizens traveling to Russia when questioned about the case.
Reports of Khavana’s arrest surfaced amid a broader crackdown by Russia on perceived external threats.
The state financial monitoring agency labeled US Senator Lindsey Graham as a terrorist or extremist for his critiques of the Ukrainian conflict.
“A former advisor to the Russian embassy in France was sentenced to 18 years in prison for state treason, while Radio Free Europe, funded by the US Congress, was declared an ‘undesirable organization’ in Russia.”
Khavana’s arrest occurred shortly before Putin acknowledged negotiations with the US regarding a prisoner exchange, excluding dual citizens from typical considerations.
“The FSB accused Khavana of actively fundraising for Ukrainian organizations since February 2022 and participating in pro-Kyiv public events in the US.”
An independent Russian legal NGO, First Dept, disclosed that Khavana was charged with transferring $51.80 to the Ukrainian charitable fund Razom for Ukraine, supporting medical equipment and humanitarian causes.
“The transfer coincided with Russia’s initiation of full-scale war against Ukraine on February 24, 2022.”
Several US citizens, including journalist Evan Gershkovich, are detained in Russia on espionage charges.
Gershkovich’s pre-trial custody was extended for two more months, while other detainees like Paul Whelan and Alsu Kurmasheva await resolution.
“Both Russia and the US are engaged in discussions for a potential prisoner exchange, with Putin referencing Gershkovich in comparison to an FSB operative during a recent interview.”
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