Ksenia Karelina Released in U.S.-Russia Prisoner Exchange
LONDON – Ksenia Karelina, a dual citizen of the United States and Russia, was freed from a Russian prison as part of a prisoner exchange that took place overnight in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The announcement was made by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Details of the Exchange
Negotiation Efforts
A U.S. official disclosed that both American and Russian intelligence agencies were involved in the negotiations surrounding the exchange. CIA Director John Ratcliffe expressed pride in the efforts, stating, “Today, President Trump brought home another wrongfully detained American from Russia.” He acknowledged the valuable role of CIA officers and thanked the UAE for facilitating the exchange.
Further Insights from the CIA
A CIA spokesperson elaborated on the efforts involved in the swap, detailing that the agency had significant engagements with Russian intelligence to execute the exchange. Collaborative work with various domestic and international partners, including the UAE, was instrumental in facilitating the logistics.
Government Confirmation
The Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB) confirmed Karelina’s release, indicating it was finalized through a decree issued by President Vladimir Putin at the Abu Dhabi airport with the UAE’s mediation. In return, German-Russian citizen Artur Petrov—arrested in Cyprus in 2023—was exchanged for Karelina.
Background on Karelina’s Detention
Karelina, a ballet dancer, had been sentenced to 12 years in a penal colony after being convicted of treason in August 2024. Authorities accused her of supporting Ukraine by organizing fundraising events and attending pro-Ukraine demonstrations. Her partner, Chris Van Heerden, asserted that her actions were limited to a small charitable donation of $50.
About Artur Petrov
Petrov’s extradition to the U.S. was tied to allegations of engaging in activities aimed at supplying microelectronics to Russia for military use. This included components sourced from companies subject to U.S. export controls.
Ongoing Developments
Ksenia Karelina’s release represents a focal point in ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Russia, particularly concerning issues of wrongful detentions. The situation continues to evolve, and further updates are forthcoming.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Contributions from ABC News’ Joe Simonetti, Cindy Smith, Tanya Stukalova, and Shannon K. Kingston were instrumental in this report.