Ksenia Karelina, a former ballerina, has returned to the United States after spending over a year in a Russian prison. She was released as part of a prisoner exchange. Karelina arrived at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland late Thursday night, greeted with smiles and flowers.
Her fiancé, professional boxer Chris van Heerden, was there to welcome her home. He expressed his joy, saying he couldn’t wait to hold her after what he called a "nightmare" that lasted 15 months. Their dog, Boots, is also excited for her return.
Karelina, 34, who also holds Russian citizenship and is known as Ksenia Khavana, was arrested in Yekaterinburg, Russia, while visiting family in February 2022. She was accused of treason for making a £40 donation to a charity that supports Ukraine on the day Russia invaded. Authorities claimed she was "proactively" raising funds for a Ukrainian organization.
In August 2022, Karelina admitted to the charges during a closed trial and was sentenced to 12 years in a penal colony. The case drew significant attention, with many calling the charges absurd. U.S. officials labeled her detention "absolutely ludicrous."
Karelina’s release came after discussions between former President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump mentioned her freedom during a cabinet meeting, expressing appreciation for the outcome. As part of the swap, the U.S. released Arthur Petrov, who had been held on charges related to smuggling sensitive technology to Russia.
Karelina’s case is part of a growing trend of Americans being detained in Russia amid rising tensions between the two countries, particularly due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Her return marks another high-profile prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Russia, highlighting the complexities of international relations in the current climate.