CNN —The trial of a US-Russian dual citizen, accused of committing treason by fundraising for Ukraine’s military, has begun in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg. Chris Van Deerden, Karelina’s boyfriend, told CNN he had bought her tickets to visit the country as a birthday gift. Karelina is among several American citizens being held in Russian prisons, including journalists and former soldiers. His trial will also be held behind closed doors in Yekaterinburg, where he was arrested more than a year ago. Discussing Karelina’s case, the Russian investigative journalist Andrei Soldatov told CNN the FSB aims “to build up a bank of hostages with American passports,” which Moscow can use “as leverage” in any negotiations with Washington.

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Persons: Ksenia Karelina, Chris Van Deerden, ”, ” Van Heerden, Karelina, Evan Gershkovich, Andrei Soldatov Organizations: CNN, Federal Security Service, Street Locations: Russian, Yekaterinburg, Ksenia, Ukrainian, Beverly Hills , California, Los Angeles, Russia, New York, Ukraine, American, Moscow, Washington