Russian officials have arrested a Los Angeles-based woman with dual citizenship on charges of espionage for her involvement in fundraising activities to aid Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s aggression.
The Federal Security Service (FSB) in Yekaterinburg identified the 33-year-old woman, without naming her, as having contributed financially to a foreign nation in a manner deemed harmful to Russia’s security since 2022.
The funds she raised were reportedly used for medical supplies, equipment, and military needs for Ukraine.
The FSB also mentioned her participation in pro-Ukraine demonstrations in the U.S. She faces charges of treason, which could lead to 12 to 20 years of imprisonment and property confiscation.
The woman is currently in pre-trial detention, and there has been no response from the U.S. Embassy or the State Department.
This incident adds to the growing list of Americans detained in Russia under various charges, including Robert Romanov Woodland and Alsu Kurmasheva, with Evan Gershkovich being held on accusations of espionage.
The U.S. government has expressed concerns over the wrongful detention of its citizens in Russia. This arrest comes as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine approaches its second year, amidst discussions in the U.S. regarding military aid to Ukraine.
The International Committee of the Red Cross has reported that 23,000 missing individuals have lost contact with their families either due to being captured, killed, or losing touch after fleeing their homes, as a result of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Dusan Vujasanin, head of the Central Tracing Agency’s office for the international armed conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine, presented a report in Geneva, highlighting the tragic reality faced by tens of thousands of families living in continuous distress.
He affirmed that families have the right to know the fate of their relatives and, where possible, to exchange news with them.
