Russia arrests dual US-Russian citizen for suspected treason after she allegedly helped raise money for Ukrainian military

The Russian authorities reportedly arrested a woman on Tuesday who has dual U.S.-Russian citizenship. The authorities claim she was apprehended on suspicion of treason for raising funds for the Ukrainian military, according to Fox News Digital.

Russia's Federal Security Service in Yekaterinburg said that it had "suppressed the illegal activities" of a 33-year-old woman who has yet to be identified. She is reportedly from Los Angeles.

The Security Service went on to claim that the woman had been "proactively collecting funds ... which were subsequently used to purchase tactical medical items, equipment, means of destruction and ammunition for the Ukrainian armed forces."

The Russian authorities added that the woman had been acting "against the security of our country" and had been helping the Ukrainian army while she was in the U.S., according to CBS News. If the woman is found guilty, she could face up to life in prison under Russian legislation that has become more draconian since the start of the conflict in Ukraine.

The revelation came amid Russia's decision to extend the detention of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich after rejecting his lawyers' appeal in the case. Gershkovich has been accused by the Russian government of spying in the interests of the U.S.

The journalist will now have to sit behind bars in Russia until at least March 30, which would mark a full year since he was initially apprehended by the Russian authorities.

Russia has arrested several other U.S. nationals, including former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan. Whelan has been imprisoned in Russia since 2018, currently serving a 16-year sentence for alleged espionage.

Reports noted that Secretary of State Antony Blinken had spoken with Whelan on the phone last week. The U.S. insists Whelan has been wrongfully detained.

In December 2023, Whelan told the BBC that it was a "serious betrayal" by the U.S. government to leave him in Russia. "It's extremely frustrating. I know that the U.S. has come up with all sorts of proposals — serious proposals — but it's not what the Russians are after. So they keep going back and forth. The only problem is, it's my life that's draining away while they do this."

"It's five years. It's unfathomable to me that they've left me behind," Whelan added, alluding to the U.S. government.

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