Ksenia Khavana Sentenced to 12 Years in Russia

A Russian court has sentenced US-Russian dual citizen Ksenia Khavana (Karelina) to 12 years in prison for treason after she donated about $52 to a charity aiding Ukraine. Arrested in Yekaterinburg in February, Khavana pleaded guilty in a closed trial last week. The Federal Security Service accused her of collecting funds used to purchase medical supplies, equipment, and weapons for the Ukrainian armed forces. White House National Security spokesman John Kirby condemned the sentence as 'vindictive cruelty.' Khavana's attorney plans to appeal, asserting she did not intend the funds to be used for anti-Russian actions. The U.S. government is working to gain consular access to Khavana.