Russian-American citizen Ksenia Karelina has been freed in a high-profile prisoner swap between the United States and Russia, following more than a year in Russian custody. The exchange took place in Abu Dhabi and was facilitated by the CIA, with oversight from Director John Ratcliffe, according to CNN.
Karelina had been sentenced to 12 years in prison on treason charges after donating roughly $50 to a charity supporting Ukraine. She was arrested while visiting family in Russia in early 2024.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the news on X, stating, “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. The president will continue to work for the release of ALL Americans.”
In exchange, the U.S. released Arthur Petrov, a dual Russian-German citizen facing multiple charges including export violations, smuggling, wire fraud, and money laundering. Petrov was accused of shipping U.S.-made microelectronics to Russia, allegedly for military use.
Karelina, a Los Angeles resident and amateur ballerina, garnered widespread public support. Her boyfriend, former boxing champion Chris van Heerden, along with filmmaker Peter Berg and UFC CEO Dana White, were among the prominent figures who advocated for her and celebrated her return.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the successful exchange.
