While this news certainly isn't surprising, it does provide more evidence of Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin's willingness to arrest any and all opposition — even citizens of the US. Karelina donated a meager amount to support humanitarian aid to struggling Ukrainians, and in return, she was slapped with one of the harshest criminal charges possible. She is yet another Russian political prisoner caught in the crosshairs of this conflict.
For the West to criticize Russia while it seeks to extradite and prosecute Julian Assange is ludicrous. Not only is Assange a journalist, but he's also an Australian citizen. Furthermore, the EU has also arrested a Russian journalist for allegedly violating sanctions. The West, primarily the US, has no business interjecting into Russian affairs while it simultaneously violates its self-proclaimed value of freedom of expression.