"Spike in Treason and Espionage Cases in Russia Amid Ukraine Conflict"

Since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Russia has seen a significant rise in treason and espionage cases, with over 100 known treason cases in 2023 alone. These cases often involve Kremlin critics, independent journalists, and scientists, and are prosecuted in secrecy by the Federal Security Service (FSB). The legal definition of treason was expanded in 2012, leading to more prosecutions for activities like donating to Ukrainian charities or collaborating with foreign scientists. The crackdown is seen as a way to suppress dissent and demonstrate the regime's fragility amid political turmoil.