Russia seeks 15-year sentence for US-Russian ballerina Ksenia Karelina
www.bbc.com
Ksenia Karelina pleads guilty to treason charge after February arrest for donating to pro-Ukraine charity.

Russian-American ballerina Ksenia Karelina has pleaded guilty to treason charges after she was arrested for donating money to a charity supporting Ukraine.

Russian prosecutors are seeking a 15-year sentence after the security services accused Ms Karelina of collecting money that was used to purchase tactical supplies for the Ukrainian army.

She was detained by authorities in Yekaterinburg, about 1,600km (1,000 miles) east of Moscow after a family visit in February.

The sentence comes one week after Russia and the West carried out the largest prisoner exchange since the Cold War, where 24 people jailed in seven different countries were exchanged.

Ms Karelina’s lawyer said the prosecutors’ request for a 15-year sentence in a penal colony was too severe as the defendant had cooperated with the investigation.

Mikhail Mushailov also said it was “impossible” for Ms Karelina to have been included in the recent prisoner exchange, because an exchange can only happen once the court verdict comes into force.

    • Honytawk@lemmy.zipEnglish
      11·
      4 months ago

      Yeah, now you know that charity actively helps Ukraine if russia is all whiney about it

    • rhabarbaEnglish
      462·
      5 months ago

      It is probably legal in other countries, so I don’t think this is as brave as you make it sound.

      • TheGrandNagus@lemmy.worldEnglish
        53·
        5 months ago

        This is the most Reddit/Lemmy reply ever lmao

        The above user was also showing solidarity with Ukraine, not trying to outdo her, or trying to appear brave.

      • Biezelbob@programming.devEnglish
        321·
        5 months ago

        Doesnt matter, money goes to ukraine, supports Ukrainians (and troops). Doesnt have to be much.

        I dont do this because its brave but because of the gesture and helping Ukraine. Its disposable income so I can mis it but even a very small amount makes a difference if a lot of people act on donating.

        Slava Ukraini