Ksenia Karelina, a Russian-American ballerina, was released in a prisoner swap between the US and Russia

Following a prisoner swap, Ksenia Karelina, a Russian-American who had been held in Russia for more than a year, was released.

Ksenia Karelina, a Russian-American citizen, was freed as part of a prisoner exchange between Moscow and Washington, marking a significant diplomatic milestone. It was the second such encounter between the two countries in less than two months, and it happened in Abu Dhabi early Thursday morning.

Karelina, an amateur ballerina from Los Angeles, had been imprisoned in Russia for more than a year following her arrest in Yekaterinburg at the beginning of 2024. The 32-year-old was found guilty of treason for giving money to a US-based organization that supported Ukraine during its protracted war with Russia. Widespread public condemnation followed her 12-year imprisonment in a jail colony for her involvement.

Karelina’s release was verified by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said she was “on a plane back home to the United States” after being “wrongfully detained by Russia for over a year.” Reiterating the administration’s commitment to pursuing the release of all Americans held abroad, he praised President Trump for gaining her freedom. “President Trump will keep working to free ALL Americans,” Rubio continued.

As part of the prisoner swap, Arthur Petrov, a dual German-Russian national who had been detained in Cyprus in 2023, was also released. Petrov was accused of unlawfully supplying Russia with microelectronics for use by Russian military-affiliated firms. The exchange was mediated by officials from both nations and happened on neutral territory in Abu Dhabi.

The significance of the exchange in light of the existing tensions between the US and Russia was highlighted by reports that CIA Director John Ratcliffe attended.

This is the second well-publicized prisoner exchange in as many months. Russian national Alexander Vinnik, who was imprisoned in the United States on money laundering allegations, was traded for American educator Marc Fogel in February. Fogel had been arrested in Russia on drug-related accusations.

Karelina’s successful release is viewed as a diplomatic victory for the US, but it also raises concerns about the increasing use of prisoner swaps in international diplomacy, especially between countries with tense relations like the US and Russia.

Karelina’s case had garnered a lot of attention, and international human rights organizations and advocacy groups had condemned her detention as politically motivated. It is anticipated that her family and supporters, who have long advocated for her release, will feel some relief upon her return to the United States.