American ballerina Ksenia Karelina has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for treason in Russia.

In Russia, American citizen Ksenia Karelina, a ballet dancer, was found guilty of treason and sentenced to 12 years in prison for donating to Ukraine.

The 33-year-old ballet dancer and spa worker, Karelina, had her phone searched for the word "Ukraine" at the airport when she arrived in Russia for a family visit in late January. It was discovered that she had donated $51.80 to an American-based Ukrainian aid organization.

The Russian Federal Security Service claimed that Karelina transferred money to an organization used for the purchase of medical supplies, equipment, and ammunition for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. However, supporters stated that the donation was made to a New York-based aid organization that does not provide military support.

Karelina admitted her guilt during a closed trial. Her lawyer stated that she hopes to be included in a future prisoner exchange.

Karelina's employer in the United States expressed that she was "wrongfully accused." Washington accuses Moscow of arresting and using American citizens for false charges and as bargaining chips.

This incident occurred shortly after Russia recently released American journalist Evan Gershkovich and 14 others in a major prisoner exchange.