In a surprising diplomatic breakthrough, the United States and Russia carried out a prisoner exchange. The deal led to the release of Ksenia Karelina, a US-Russian dual citizen who had spent over a year in Russian custody. In return, the US handed over Artur Petrov, a Russian-German national charged with smuggling sensitive US technology.
Who Is Ksenia Karelina?
Born on December 13, 1991, in Yekaterinburg, Russia, Ksenia Karelina was a ballet dancer before moving to the United States. She worked as a spa aesthetician in Beverly Hills, California, and became a US citizen in 2021. Her fiancé, professional boxer Chris van Heerden, publicly expressed relief and joy, saying, “I am overjoyed to hear that the love of my life, Ksenia Karelina, is on her way home from wrongful detention in Russia.”
A Ballet Dancer Turned US Citizen
Before her arrest, Karelina had fully embraced her new life in the US. She had married an American citizen and settled in Los Angeles. However, despite her new nationality, her visit to Russia in early 2024 proved dangerous due to the country’s ongoing war with Ukraine and its crackdown on perceived foreign influence.
What Was Ksenia Karelina’s Case?
In January 2024, while visiting family in Russia, Karelina was arrested by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB). Authorities accused her of treason. The reason: she had allegedly donated $51.80 to a US-based charity that supported Ukraine. Russian officials claimed the money went toward funding military supplies. Her lawyer, Mikhail Mushailov, strongly denied this, stating, “She did not assume that the funds she transferred would be used for anti-Russian actions.”
Karelina Faced Treason Charges in Russia
Soon after her arrest, a Russian court sentenced her to 12 years in prison. Officials labeled her small donation as “treasonous support” for Ukraine. The harsh punishment drew criticism and placed her at the center of rising US-Russia tensions.
US Releases Petrov in Exchange
In exchange for Karelina’s release, the US released Artur Petrov. He holds dual citizenship in Russia and Germany. Petrov had been arrested in Cyprus in 2023 at the request of US authorities. He faced charges of illegally exporting sensitive American microelectronics—potentially to unauthorized users linked to Russian interests.
Swap Arranged in Abu Dhabi
The prisoner exchange took place at Abu Dhabi airport. Intelligence agencies from both countries coordinated the operation. According to The Wall Street Journal, CIA Director John Ratcliffe led the US team, while a senior Russian intelligence officer represented Moscow. This exchange marked one of the few diplomatic agreements between the nations in recent years.
“She Was Wrongfully Detained,” Says Rubio
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed Karelina’s release. Speaking to Politico, he said, “American Ksenia Karelina is on a plane back home to the United States. She was wrongfully detained by Russia for over a year and President Trump secured her release.” He added, “Trump will continue to work for the release of ALL Americans.”
Russia Also Confirms the Exchange
Later the same day, Russia’s FSB also confirmed that the exchange had taken place. The rare cooperation between Washington and Moscow has sparked talk of a slight improvement in diplomatic relations, though tensions remain high.
Second Swap Since Trump Took Office
This was the second prisoner swap between the two nations since Donald Trump returned to the White House. In February, the Biden administration had earlier facilitated the release of American teacher Marc Fogel, jailed in Russia on drug charges. In that exchange, the US returned Russian entrepreneur Alexander Vinnik.
