15-Year Sentence Sought for Russian-American Woman

MOSCOW (AP) — In a significant treason trial, Russian prosecutors have requested a 15-year prison sentence for Ksenia Khavana, a Russian-American woman who has pleaded guilty to charges of collecting funds for Ukraine’s military. Arrested in Yekaterinburg in February, Khavana, also known by her maiden name Karelina, admitted her guilt during a closed trial, with sentencing anticipated on August 15. Her lawyer, Mikhail Mushalov, confirmed the prosecution's demand for a lengthy prison term. Khavana, who gained U.S. citizenship through marriage and had been living in Los Angeles, returned to Russia to visit family. The charges against her reportedly stem from a $51 donation made to a U.S. charity supporting Ukraine. The Russian Federal Security Service alleges that she actively solicited funds for a Ukrainian organization, which were purportedly used to procure tactical medical supplies and military equipment for Ukrainian forces. Since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has intensified its crackdown on dissent, enacting laws that penalize criticism of its military operations. This has raised concerns about the potential targeting of U.S. nationals within Russia. The recent release of American journalist Evan Gershkovich and corporate security executive Paul Whelan, both imprisoned on espionage charges, highlights the ongoing tensions between Russia and the West. Additionally, Russia has freed several opposition figures imprisoned for their anti-war stance, indicating a complex landscape of political and legal maneuvering amid the ongoing conflict.