Current:Home > NewsA ballet dancer from Los Angeles is being detained in Russia on treason charges. Here's what to know. -ForexStream
A ballet dancer from Los Angeles is being detained in Russia on treason charges. Here's what to know.
View
Date:2025-04-14 01:54:40
Russia's main domestic intelligence agency has arrested a woman with dual U.S. and Russian citizenship on charges of treason, accusing her of collecting money for the Ukrainian military. Authorities did not name the woman, but her longtime employer in California identified her as Ksenia Khavana, whose maiden name is Ksenia Karelina.
The Federal Security Service said in a statement early Tuesday that the Los Angeles resident was arrested in the Ural Mountains city of Yekaterinburg, about 1,100 miles east of Moscow. She had returned to Russia to visit family.
Here is what is known about Khavana and Russia's case against her.
Who is Ksenia Khavana?
Khavana, 33, is a citizen of the U.S. and Russia.
The independent Russian news outlet Mediazona identified her as Ksenia Karelina, her maiden name, and said that she had received U.S. citizenship after marrying an American.
Isabella Koretz, owner of Ciel Spa at the SLS Beverly Hills where Khavana has worked for eight years, told The Associated Press that Khavana, a ballet dancer, came to the U.S. to study at the University of Maryland in Baltimore before relocating to Los Angeles.
She said Khavana is divorced and does not have any relatives in the U.S. Koretz said she has grown close to Khavana over the years and treats her like "she's family."
According to Koretz, Khavana tried to see her family in Russia at least once a year, usually around Christmas and New Year's. This year, Koretz said, Khavana flew into Russia from Istanbul in early January for a two-week trip to spend time with her 90-year-old grandmother, parents and younger sister.
Koretz grew concerned when Khavana stopped returning her messages and phone calls after entering Russia. She said panic set in when Khavana ultimately did not return from her trip in mid-January as planned.
"This girl is like an angel," Koretz said. "You have to understand that she wouldn't hurt a fly."
What is she accused of?
CBS News correspondent Imtiaz Tyab reported that Khavana was arrested after making a donation of only about $51 to a Ukrainian charity. The Russian authorities also said she had attended pro-Ukraine rallies in the U.S.
Russia's Federal Security Service alleges that Khavana had been "proactively" raising funds for a Ukrainian organization since February 2022 — money that it says was "subsequently used to purchase tactical medicine, equipment, weapons and ammunition by the Ukrainian Armed Forces."
The agency said she also took part in "public actions" in the U.S. in support of Kyiv. It did not provide further details about the allegations.
Koretz said Khavana actually was collecting funds for humanitarian aid and had made a donation to Razom for Ukraine, a U.S.-based nonprofit that says it provides medical kits and disaster relief to those affected by Russia's invasion of the country.
"We're talking about diapers and formula, that's what she was collecting money for," Koretz said. "We're not talking about money for weapons."
In its own statement Tuesday, the nonprofit's CEO said she was "appalled" by media reports of the arrest but did not name Khavana or confirm whether the woman had previously donated to the charity.
The organization said in an email to The Associated Press that it does not disclose the identities of its donors to protect their privacy.
"Razom calls on the U.S. government to continue to do everything in its power to demand that President Putin release all those unjustly detained by Russia and to hold Russia's political and military leadership accountable for their unprovoked invasion of Ukraine," Dora Chomiak said in her statement.
Where is she now?
White House national security spokesman John Kirby said that the White House and the State Department were aware of reports of the arrest and added that "we are trying to get more information and to secure some consular access to that individual."
The Federal Security Service says that she has been ordered detained as a "preventative measure" while it continues its investigation.
Koretz said that Khavana, meanwhile, has been communicating with her colleagues at the spa through letters and has asked them to help her sell her belongings in Los Angeles, including her car.
"She doesn't want to leave anybody with her debts," Koretz said.
If convicted of treason under article 275 of the Russian Criminal Code, Khavana faces up to 20 years in prison.
Khavana's former mother-in-law Eleonora Srebroski tells CBS News that, in the wake of Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny's death in prison, she's afraid of what might happen to her.
"I'm very, very concerned about her, about her physical wellbeing," Srebroski told CBS News on Tuesday. "We know that Navalny was just killed a few days ago. We know it wasn't just a death. It was the murder."
"I am in shock," she told CBS News, adding that there was "no justice in Russia whatsoever."
News on Tuesday of Khavana's arrest came the same day a court in the Russian capital ruled to keep Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich in custody pending his trial on espionage charges that he denies.
- In:
- Russia
veryGood! (9)
Related
- Residents worried after ceiling cracks appear following reroofing works at Jalan Tenaga HDB blocks
- Alabama district judge suspended and accused of letting child abuse cases ‘languish,’ complaint says
- Warheads flavored Cinnabon rolls and drinks set to make debut this month: Get the details
- London security ramps up ahead of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, safety experts weigh in
- A White House order claims to end 'censorship.' What does that mean?
- New York Yankees star Juan Soto hits 3 home runs in a game for first time
- Chipotle CEO Brian Niccol taking over as Starbucks chief executive; Narasimhan steps down
- Police fatally shoot teen in Alaska’s largest city, the 4th such killing since mid-May
- 'As foretold in the prophecy': Elon Musk and internet react as Tesla stock hits $420 all
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Outside Hire
Ranking
- Former Syrian official arrested in California who oversaw prison charged with torture
- Ex-University of Kentucky student pleads guilty in racist tirade, assault case
- 'Massive' search for convicted murderer who escaped on way to North Carolina hospital
- Machine Gun Kelly Shares His Dad Stood Trial at Age 9 for His Own Father's Murder
- The company planning a successor to Concorde makes its first supersonic test
- How Amal and George Clooney Are Protecting Their 2 Kids From the Spotlight
- Best Halloween Fashion Finds That Are Spooky, Stylish, and Aren’t Costumes—Starting at $8
- Steward Health Care reaches deal to sell its nationwide physicians network
Recommendation
A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
Chrissy Teigen Shows Off Surgical Scars During Date Night With Husband John Legend
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Cast: Meet the #MomTok Influencers Rocked by Sex Scandal
Hidden report reveals how workers got sick while cleaning up Ohio derailment site
Juan Soto praise of Mets' future a tough sight for Yankees, but World Series goal remains
Columbus Crew vs. Inter Miami live updates: Messi still missing for Leagues Cup game today
How much should I have in my emergency fund? More than you think.
Laci Peterson murder case revisited, Scott speaks in dueling documentaries