Part 9/10:
Meanwhile, in a separate case involving international tensions, Ksenia Kolina, a dual U.S.-Russian citizen, remains detained in Russia on charges of treason. The 32-year-old Los Angeles resident was arrested after donating approximately $50—specifically 518 dollars—to a charity providing aid to Ukraine. A Siberian court recently rejected her appeal, denying her release or house arrest, and she faces continued pre-trial detention until at least April.
The U.S. Department of State continues to seek consular access to Kolina but has been rebuffed by Russian authorities, who do not recognize dual citizenship claims. Her case reflects the broader diplomatic strain and the growing use of legal charges as tools against perceived enemies or dissidents.