Ksenia Karelina, a Russian-American ballerina held unjustly in Russia for over a year, has returned to the United States, according to an announcement from Secretary of State Marco Rubio early Thursday.
“American Ksenia Karelina is now en route home. Her wrongful detention by Russia spanned more than a year, and her release was secured through the efforts of President Trump.”
Rubio further stated on X that the administration would continue working towards securing the freedom of all Americans detained abroad.
Karelina’s case gained international attention after she received a harsh sentence of twelve years in a Russian prison following a donation of roughly $50 to a Ukrainian charitable organization in early 2024.
Sources indicate that Karelina’s release was part of an exchange. The United States facilitated her freedom by releasing Arthur Petrov, a dual German-Russian citizen who had been arrested in Cyprus in 2023 at the request of American authorities. Petrov faced charges related to the alleged export of sensitive microelectronics.
This is a developing story and more information will be provided as it becomes available.
- Ksenia Karelina: Russian-American ballerina
- Detention Period: Over one year
- Sentence: Twelve years in a Russian prison
- Reason for Arrest: Donation to a Ukrainian charity
- Release Facilitated by: Exchange of Arthur Petrov
- Arthur Petrov: Dual German-Russian citizen, charged with exporting sensitive microelectronics.
