Russian prosecutors have requested a 15-year prison sentence for a Russian-American woman in a treason trial in Moscow. The woman, identified as Ksenia Khavana, was arrested in Yekaterinburg in February on charges of collecting money for Ukraine’s military. She pleaded guilty during a closed trial and her lawyer confirmed that prosecutors are seeking a 15-year sentence. The sentencing is scheduled for August 15.
Khavana, who obtained U.S. citizenship after marrying an American and moving to Los Angeles, had returned to Russia to visit her family. The charges against her reportedly stem from a $51 donation to a U.S. charity that supports Ukraine. The Russian Federal Security Service alleges that she actively collected funds for a Ukrainian organization to purchase medical supplies, equipment, weapons, and ammunition for the Ukrainian armed forces.
Following Russia's military intervention in Ukraine in February 2022, the country has intensified its crackdown on dissent and enacted laws that criminalize criticism of the operation in Ukraine and any statements deemed to discredit the Russian military. Concerns have been raised about Russia targeting U.S. nationals for arrest in light of these developments.
In a recent prisoner exchange between Russia and Western countries, several individuals were released, including a Wall Street Journal reporter, an American corporate security executive, and a U.S.-Russian dual national who were imprisoned on espionage charges. Additionally, a Radio Liberty/Radio Free Europe journalist, Alsu Kurmasheva, was released after being sentenced to 6 1/2 years for spreading what Russia deemed as 'false information' about the Russian military. Russia also freed several opposition figures who had been detained for criticizing the military operation in Ukraine.
