A Russian-American woman has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for “betraying” her country by donating $50 to a Ukrainian charity, Global News has revealed.
Ksenia Khavana is a former ballet dancer with dual citizenship living in Los Angeles, California. She used to work at a spa.
The 33-year-old woman was arrested in February during a trip to Russia to see her family, according to Canadian media.
In court, Russia's Federal Security Service said Ms.I Khavana had donated money to buy weapons for Ukraine against the Russian army.
The young woman's relatives responded that the money went to an American charity called Razum for Ukraine, which provides humanitarian aid to the Ukrainian population.
Razum confirmed for Ukraine in A press release Its goal “focuses on humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, education and awareness.”
Ksenia Khavana pleaded guilty to donating money to the judge, but insisted she had no intention of harming Russia. The action was taken in 2022, as the war between the two countries began.
She was still serving a 12-year prison sentence in her home country. According to NBC News, Russian authorities learned of the donation by searching his phone.
“My girlfriend is the warmest, kindest person you could ever meet. She's a good person,” Chris Van Heerden said.
He pleads with the American authorities to help him release his partner.
His lawyer said he plans to appeal.
