By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Since Russia’s 1997 Criminal Code, over 1,000 treason-related charges have been filed, with a dramatic surge—792 cases—following the 2022 Ukraine invasion. A significant portion of these cases, at least 359 in 2024, resulted in prison sentences, with no acquittals recorded since Vladimir Putin’s ascent to power. Recent high-profile cases include the 12-year sentence for Ksenia Karelina, a dual citizen, for aiding a Ukrainian charity, and other convictions for relatively small donations to Ukraine. The Kremlin’s crackdown also extends to scientists, with numerous specialists in hypersonic technology facing treason charges.
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Nearly 800 Russians have been charged with treason since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, a stark figure that underscores the repressive atmosphere within the country. This number, representing a significant surge in treason prosecutions since the 1997 implementation of the current Russian Criminal Code, paints a picture of a nation grappling with dissent under intense political pressure. The sheer scale of these charges, representing nearly 80% of all treason cases since 1997, is striking.
This significant increase in treason prosecutions is directly linked to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The Kremlin’s intolerance of opposing voices has led to a crackdown on any perceived threat, resulting in hundreds of convictions and prison sentences. In 2024 alone, at least 359 individuals charged with treason have already received prison sentences, highlighting the swift and severe nature of the legal process.
The lack of acquittals in treason cases since Vladimir Putin assumed power is particularly noteworthy. This complete absence of successful defenses against treason charges speaks volumes about the fairness and impartiality of the judicial system. The amendment introduced in April 2023, increasing the maximum penalty for treason to life imprisonment, further amplifies the gravity of the situation and the Kremlin’s determination to suppress dissent.
The cases themselves illustrate the broad reach of the treason charges. Minor acts, such as donating relatively small sums of money to Ukrainian charities or sending cryptocurrency to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces, have resulted in lengthy prison sentences. The case of Ksenia Karelina, a dual US-Russian citizen sentenced to 12 years for donating to a Ukrainian charity, exemplifies this harsh reality. Similarly, Tatyana Laletina’s nine-year sentence for a €27 donation and the 20-year sentence given to an art teacher for a €220 cryptocurrency transfer highlight the disproportionate punishments. Even seemingly innocuous acts are swiftly criminalized.
The Kremlin’s actions extend beyond ordinary citizens, targeting even leading scientists. Dozens of specialists in hypersonic technology, a field favored by Putin for its military applications, have been charged with treason since 2015, accused of sharing state secrets with foreign countries. This suggests that the Kremlin’s crackdown on treason is not limited to individual acts of dissent, but also aims to suppress potential threats to its military and technological capabilities.
The overall number of treason charges, while significant, may still represent only a fraction of the actual dissent within Russia. Many people choose silence to avoid the severe consequences of expressing opposition to the government. The existence of over 4,000 political prisoners and the exodus of over 600,000 Russians since the start of the war illustrate the pervasive fear and self-censorship that stifle open expression. Many individuals may harbor dissenting views but choose to remain silent to protect themselves and their loved ones from potential prosecution or even worse, extrajudicial actions. The fear of repercussions, including imprisonment or violence, is a powerful deterrent against open opposition.
The vast disparity between the reported number of treason cases and the potential scale of dissenting opinions highlights the challenges in accurately assessing the true extent of opposition within Russia. The reported figures reflect only those individuals who have been apprehended and charged, leaving countless others who remain silent, fearful of facing similar consequences. This silent opposition represents a hidden reservoir of dissent, adding another layer of complexity to the current political landscape in Russia. The perceived lack of avenues for safe and legal expression contributes to this climate of fear and self-censorship, effectively limiting the visibility of opposition to the current regime.