Ksenia Karelina released by Russia in prisoner swap with US

US-Russian ballet dancer returns home after year-long detention on treason charges.

Ksenia Karelina, a Russian-American dual citizen accused of treason over a donation to a charity supporting Ukraine, attends a court hearing in Yekaterinburg, Russia, on August 15, 2024. Photo by Dmitry Chasovitin/Reuters

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Ksenia Karelina was released by Russia in a prisoner swap with the US, ending a harrowing chapter in the life of the American ballet dancer who spent more than a year in detention. The 33-year-old, known for her work in the arts and her dual US-Russian citizenship, was accused of treason and held in Russia under conditions that raised concerns among human rights groups. On Thursday, she was finally freed and boarded a flight back to the United States.

Her release was confirmed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who posted on X (formerly Twitter) that Karelina was en route to American soil. “She was wrongfully detained by Russia for over a year and President Trump secured her release,” Rubio wrote, emphasizing Washington's commitment to bringing home citizens held overseas.

This exchange between the two countries comes at a time when diplomatic relations are tense, and it’s one of the few recent examples of successful negotiation between Washington and Moscow. Karelina’s case had become emblematic of the rising number of Americans detained abroad, sometimes used as leverage in larger geopolitical disputes.

A dancer caught in a political storm

Ksenia Karelina, a classically trained ballet performer and US resident, was arrested in early 2024 while visiting relatives in Yekaterinburg. Russian authorities accused her of financially supporting Ukraine by making a small donation to a nonprofit organization. Under the current political climate, such actions were deemed treasonous by Russian officials.

Karelina’s arrest was met with outrage by US officials and human rights organizations. Many viewed her detention as arbitrary and politically motivated, part of a broader pattern of targeting individuals with ties to the West. Her case received widespread attention in the media and became a central issue in diplomatic talks between the US and Russia.

Despite limited public appearances and minimal legal transparency during her imprisonment, her legal team and the US government maintained steady pressure to secure her release.

The deal behind closed doors

According to her lawyer, Mikhail Mushailov, Karelina was released as part of a carefully negotiated prisoner exchange. The handover reportedly took place in Abu Dhabi, a neutral location often used for discreet international deals. Mushailov confirmed to AFP that “the exchange took place in Abu Dhabi and, as of a couple of hours ago, she was already flying out of Abu Dhabi.”

In exchange for Karelina, the United States released Arthur Petrov, a German-Russian dual national who had been arrested in Cyprus in 2023. Petrov was detained at the request of the United States for allegedly attempting to smuggle sensitive microelectronics out of the country—components believed to have potential military applications.

The swap was facilitated with the help of the CIA and senior Russian intelligence officials. Reports from The Wall Street Journal suggested that CIA Director John Ratcliffe played a key role in the negotiations, which were kept secret until the very last moment.

An emotional return and official response

Karelina’s family and supporters have expressed immense relief over her release. “We’re overwhelmed with joy. We weren’t sure this day would come,” a family member shared with local media. Her legal team is currently working to ensure she receives full medical care and psychological support after her prolonged incarceration.

Speaking from Washington, Marco Rubio reiterated that “President Trump will continue to work for the release of ALL Americans,” signaling that more such negotiations could be on the horizon.

The Biden administration, meanwhile, acknowledged the success of the operation but stressed that many others are still being held unjustly around the world. Officials reiterated the importance of diplomacy and persistence in securing the release of detained Americans.

A broader context of political maneuvering

This case highlights how individual lives are often entangled in complex webs of international relations. Karelina, who had no prior history of political activism, found herself at the center of a diplomatic chess game between two global superpowers. Her story reflects a growing trend where private citizens, particularly dual nationals, become pawns in broader geopolitical disputes.

In recent years, similar cases have surfaced involving journalists, businesspeople, and travelers detained on charges ranging from espionage to currency violations. Advocacy groups argue that such arrests are often politically motivated and used to pressure foreign governments or extract concessions.

Karelina’s release could signal a temporary thaw in US-Russia communications, at least in areas of mutual interest like prisoner exchanges. However, the future remains uncertain, especially with rising global tensions and looming elections in both countries.

The cost of freedom

Karelina’s return is a hard-won victory, but it came at a price—both personal and political. While her release is cause for celebration, it also underscores the risks faced by Americans traveling to countries with strained relations with the United States. Her case is likely to be cited in policy discussions about travel advisories, diplomatic strategy, and the role of intelligence agencies in such operations.

Her life, once filled with rehearsals, stage lights, and applause, was abruptly put on hold. Now, she begins a new chapter—one marked by freedom, resilience, and the hope of returning to her passion for dance.

What’s next?

There is speculation that Karelina may speak publicly about her experience once she has reunited with her family and received medical care. Human rights organizations are also urging lawmakers to implement stronger protections for Americans traveling abroad, especially in regions with heightened political risk.

Meanwhile, the case is expected to remain in the public eye as further details emerge about the negotiation process and the role of various diplomatic and intelligence agencies. It may also prompt further scrutiny of Russia’s internal judicial process and its use of treason charges against foreign nationals.