Russian-American Ballerina Ksenia Karelina released in U.S.-Russia prisoner swap
After a year of wrongful detention, Russian-American ballerina Karelina is freed in a high-stakes prisoner swap, sparking joy and diplomatic shifts.
Ksenia Karelina, a 34-year-old dual citizen of the U.S. and Russia, was detained in Russia for over a year following a donation to a Ukrainian charity. In a significant development, she was released on April 10, 2025, as part of a prisoner exchange between the United States and Russia.
Russian-American Ballerina Ksenia Karelina released in prisoner swap after treason charges
In January 2024, during a visit to her family in Yekaterinburg, Karelina donated $51.80 to a U.S.-based charity supporting Ukrainian civilians affected by the conflict. Russian authorities accused her of supporting military efforts, leading to charges of treason and a subsequent 12-year sentence.
The prisoner exchange took place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where Karelina was swapped for Arthur Petrov, a German-Russian national convicted in the U.S. for illegally exporting microelectronics to Russia's military sector. CIA Director John Ratcliffe played a pivotal role in facilitating the negotiations.
Trump and Rubio confirm Karelina’s release, marking key diplomatic exchange
Karelina's release was confirmed by President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who labeled her detention as wrongful. Her fiancé, boxer Chris van Heerden, expressed immense joy, stating he couldn't wait to reunite with her. The exchange highlights ongoing diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between the two nations.
This incident underscores the complexities of international relations, with both countries leveraging citizen exchanges as diplomatic tools. While Karelina's release brings personal relief, it also sheds light on the broader geopolitical dynamics influencing such negotiations.