MOSCOW: Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) announced on Tuesday the arrest of a 33-year-old US-Russian woman in Yekaterinburg on suspicion of treason and fundraising for the Ukrainian army.
According to state media reports, the woman, a resident of Los Angeles with dual citizenship, was accused of actively soliciting funds to procure tactical medical supplies, equipment, and ammunition for the Ukrainian armed forces.
The FSB stated that the woman’s actions were detrimental to Russia’s security and constituted support for the Ukrainian military while residing in the United States.
Videos released by RIA Novosti depicted hooded officers escorting the handcuffed woman, who wore a white coat and hat concealing her eyes.
Treason carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment in Russia.
The arrest comes amid strained relations between Russia and the United States, with several US nationals currently detained in Russia on various charges, including espionage.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed interest in negotiating a prisoner exchange to secure the release of Russian citizens held abroad in exchange for US detainees in Russia.
