Ksenia Khavana Sentenced to 12 Years in Russia

Ksenia Khavana, a US-Russian dual national, has been sentenced to 12 years in a Russian prison for treason related to a $51 donation to a charity supporting Ukraine. The Russian Federal Security Service accused her of collecting funds for the Ukrainian military, which were allegedly used for tactical supplies. Khavana, a former ballet dancer who became a US citizen after marrying an American, was arrested in Yekaterinburg while visiting family. Her lawyer stated that she pleaded guilty but was unaware the money would be used for anti-Russian purposes, and he plans to appeal the verdict. The case comes amid a backdrop of stringent laws in Russia against actions deemed critical of its military activities in Ukraine. Khavana's conviction follows a recent large-scale prisoner exchange between the US and Russia.