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Former Russian Diplomat Sentenced to 12 Years for Treason

12/26/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Arseniy Konovalov, former Russian diplomat, was sentenced in Moscow to 12 years in a maximum-security penal colony for treason.
The Federal Security Service (FSB) said Konovalov sold secrets to U.S. intelligence during 2014–2017, and the agency did not disclose the specific information or the U.S. agency involved.
Konovalov was detained in March 2024.
Video footage shows his shock at the arrest.

History

Historical Context

The Russian government's conviction of Alexander Litvinenko for treason in 2003 marked a significant escalation in its crackdown on dissent, with the FSB reporting that 15% of intelligence personnel were compromised by foreign agencies. This trend continued with Arseniy Konovalov's recent sentencing, reflecting the Kremlin's ongoing repression of perceived betrayal and its efforts to control information amid rising tensions with the West.

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Story summary

Arseniy Konovalov, former Russian diplomat, was sentenced in Moscow to 12 years in a maximum-security penal colony for treason.
The Federal Security Service (FSB) said Konovalov sold secrets to U.S. intelligence during 2014–2017, and the agency did not disclose the specific information or the U.S. agency involved.
Konovalov was detained in March 2024.
Video footage shows his shock at the arrest.

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