Ksenia Karelina, a Russian-American woman, returned to the U.S. after over a year of wrongful imprisonment in Russia. Sentenced to 12 years for allegedly supporting Ukraine’s military with a small charity donation, Karelina was released in a prisoner exchange. The exchange also involved Russian national Arthur Petrov, arrested in Cyprus on U.S. charges of exporting sensitive technology. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed her wrongful detention, highlighting the complexities of the international situation and prisoner exchange programs.
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Ksenia Karelina, a Russian-American woman serving a 12-year treason sentence in Russia for a $50 charity donation, was released in a prisoner exchange in Abu Dhabi. The exchange involved Karelina’s release in return for Arthur Petrov, a dual Russian-German citizen held in the US on charges including smuggling and money laundering. The swap, facilitated by CIA Director John Ratcliffe and involving key intermediaries, occurred amidst ongoing diplomatic discussions between US and Russian officials. President Trump’s administration played a significant role in securing Karelina’s release, highlighting ongoing efforts to free other detained Americans.
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Ksenia Karelina, a US-Russian citizen, has been sentenced to 12 years in a penal colony for “high treason” after donating $51.80 to a pro-Ukraine charity. Her appeal against the sentence, issued in August and condemned by the US as “vindictive cruelty,” was rejected by a Russian court on Monday. The 32-year-old ballet dancer and spa worker was arrested in January 2024 during a visit to her family in Russia. Karelina is one of several US citizens and dual citizens imprisoned in Russia, prompting accusations from Washington that Moscow is holding them for potential exchange with Russians convicted abroad.
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John Q. Hosedrinker