Russian-American ballerina Xenia Karelina said in a video that she was “very grateful” to President Donald Trump after landing on American soil following the exchange of prisoners with Russia.
Trump I shared the video On Friday morning, he wrote on his Truth social account, “I'm glad you're home.”
“Mr. Trump, I'm yes, I'm so grateful that you took me home. [the] The US government. And I didn't feel like I was blessed with more Americans. I am so happy to be able to get home. Thank you,” Carreina told cameras after landing at Andrews' joint base in Maryland late Thursday night.
After getting off the plane, Karelina shared a long embrace with her fiancé Chris Van Dearden. She is offered support after isolation. This is a reclimation program for illegal detainees, U.S. officials say.
Russian American ballerina Ksenia Karelina was released with Moscow in prison swap
Ksenia Karelina will walk along with her fiance, professional boxer Chris van Heerden, as she arrives at Andrews' joint base in Maryland on Thursday, April 10th, 2025. (AP/Alex Brandon)
Moscow released Karelina on Thursday in exchange for German Russian citizen Arthur Petrov. Arthur Petrov was arrested in Cyprus, USA in 2023 for exporting sensitive microelectronics, the Wall Street Journal reported.
“American Xenia Karelina is on a plane returning to the United States. She was illegally detained in Russia for over a year, and President Trump has secured her release.
The US is releasing Russian prisoner Alexander Vinnik at the Mark Vogel Exchange, officials say
Karelina was sentenced to 12 years in a Russian prison after pleading guilty to treason for donating $51.80 to a Ukrainian charity in early 2024.
Russian authorities claimed that Karelina, who lived in Los Angeles, raised funds for the Ukrainian army and took part in “public action” in support of Ukraine while in the US.
Karerina was removed from the massive prisoner swap in August 2024, resulting in the release of Russian Wall Street Journal Reporters Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and Ars Krmasheva.
Ksenia Karelina thanked President Donald Trump in a video posted on his Truth Social Account on Friday, April 11, 2025. (AP/Alex Brandon)
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She is the latest American prisoner who has been detained in another country to be released under the Trump administration. In February, Trump brought in Mark Vogel, a teacher of American history.
Lauralee Guidry, Elizabeth Pritchett and Alex Hogan of Fox News contributed to this report.
