US-Russian Ballerina Freed in Prisoner Swap Over Ukraine Donation
Russian-American dual national Ksenia Karelina, convicted of treason for donating to a Ukraine aid group, has been freed in a prisoner exchange between the United States and Russia.
Karelina, a former ballet dancer who lived in Maryland and Los Angeles, was arrested in February 2024 while visiting family in Yekaterinburg. Her alleged crime: donating $52 to a U.S.-based charity supporting Ukraine. She was later sentenced for treason, a case U.S. officials labeled “absurd.”
She was swapped for Arthur Petrov, a Russian-German national convicted in the U.S. for smuggling microelectronics to Russia. The exchange occurred in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
“Ksenia Karelina is on a plane back home to the United States,” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted on X. President Donald Trump also confirmed her release, calling it “good news.”
CIA Director John Ratcliffe credited backchannel talks and intelligence coordination for facilitating the exchange, which he described as a “strategic engagement despite tensions.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin pardoned Karelina ahead of the swap, according to Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), which also released footage of her boarding a plane for Abu Dhabi.
Karelina’s fiancé, Chris van Heerden, expressed joy at her release: “She’s endured a nightmare for 15 months. I cannot wait to hold her. Our dog, Boots, is also eagerly waiting.”
Petrov, who was extradited from Cyprus to the U.S. in 2024, was accused of helping supply Russian weapons makers with sensitive electronics. He faced up to 20 years in prison before the swap.
Both sides are framing the exchange as part of wider diplomatic efforts. U.S. and Russian diplomats met in Istanbul for ongoing discussions about restoring embassy functions and stabilizing diplomatic channels.
This marks the second major prisoner exchange under Trump’s current term, amid a gradual easing of tensions over the Ukraine war. In February, Russia released U.S. teacher Marc Fogel in another swap.
Karelina, also known in some media as Ksenia Khavana, is expected to arrive at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. Photos showed her with UAE ambassador Yousef al-Otaiba after the swap, while Petrov was seen greeting Russian officials and undergoing a medical check in transit.
The UAE, a frequent mediator in prisoner deals, previously hosted the 2022 swap of WNBA star Brittney Griner for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
Analysts say Thursday’s exchange could signal further negotiations ahead as both nations quietly seek common ground amid ongoing conflict.
