On April 10, 2025, United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the United States and Russia agreed to a one-for-one prisoner exchange, resulting in Ksena Karelina, a dual U.S.-Russian citizen, being freed from Russian prison (Charlotte Hazard for Just the News). Ms. Karelina had been wrongfully imprisoned in Russia for having made a $52 donation to a charity for humanitarian work in Ukraine. We took note of this news not only because Ms. Karelina’s release and return home is something to celebrate, but also because we have referenced her wrongful imprisonment in numerous immigration cases involving Russian citizens who fear persecution in Russia because they oppose Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Ms. Karelina’s ordeal serves as a chilling reminder of the current political environment in Russia. She was convicted of treason and sentenced to twelve years in prison for a mere $52 donation to a charity conducting humanitarian work in Ukraine (Reuters). Ms. Karelina’s case also highlights that Russia’s efforts to police opposition to its invasion of Ukraine transcend its own borders (2023 U.S. DOS Human Rights Report for Russia, pages 23-25). Finally, the case serves as a reminder that U.S. citizenship does not ensure that someone will not be singled out for harm in repressive countries such as Russia.
