Ksenia Karelina Released in US-Russia Prisoner Exchange
Former ballet dancer Ksenia Karelina returns to the US after a year of wrongful imprisonment in Russia for treason related to a donation supporting Ukraine.
Karelina -- a ballet dancer -- was serving a 12-year prison sentence in a penal colony, having been convicted of treason in August 2024.
Ksenia Karelina, US ballet dancer, released from Russia in prisoner exchange
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The swap, according to the Journal, was carried out in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates, and negotiated by Ratcliffe and an unnamed senior Russian intelligence official — top level communication that indicates a deepening of efforts by the Trump administration to improve ties with Moscow.
Russia frees U.S. dual national Ksenia Karelina in apparent prisoner swap
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Karelina was among a growing number of Americans arrested in Russia in recent years as tensions between Moscow and Washington spiked over the war in Ukraine.
Ksenia Karelina, a US-Russia dual national, freed in a prisoner swap between Moscow and Washington
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It is the second prisoner swap between Russia and the US in less than two months.
Woman jailed over £39 donation to Ukraine freed in US-Russia prisoner swap
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The sentence came against the backdrop of Russia’s 3-year-long war with Ukraine during which President Vladimir Putin’s government has cracked down on dissent.
L.A. ballerina imprisoned by Russia for treason has been freed
NBC News·9d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.Karelina was among a growing number of Americans arrested in Russia in recent years as tensions between Moscow and Washington spiked over the war in Ukraine.
US-Russian dual national Ksenia Karelina is released in prisoner swap between Moscow and Washington
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Karelina was sentenced to 12 years in a Russian penal colony after pleading guilty to treason for donating $51.80 to a Ukrainian charity in early 2024.
Russian-American ballerina Ksenia Karelina released in prisoner swap with Moscow
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Karelina’s release marks the second release of an American citizen from Russia since Trump returned to the White House.
US and Russia swap prisoners in deal that released Ksenia Karelina
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Karelina's release adds to a recent pattern of high-profile prisoner swaps between the U.S. and Russia, reflecting shifting geopolitical strategies as tensions persist over Ukraine.
Ksenia Karelina freed in US-Russia prisoner swap
Newsweek·9d·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.Karelina was among a growing number of Americans arrested in Russia in recent years as tensions between Moscow and Washington spiked over the war in Ukraine.
Russia Releases US Dual National Ksenia Karelina in Prisoner Swap
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Summary
Ksenia Karelina, a U.S.-Russian dual citizen and former ballet dancer, was released from a Russian prison in a swap for Arthur Petrov, a German-Russian accused of smuggling microelectronics. Karelina was convicted of treason after donating $51.80 to a charity aiding Ukraine. The exchange took place in Abu Dhabi, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirming her return. Karelina's arrest reflected heightened tensions between the U.S. and Russia over the Ukraine conflict, making her release a notable diplomatic achievement amidst ongoing negotiations for improving bilateral relations.
Perspectives
Ksenia Karelina, a dual U.S.-Russian citizen, was freed from a Russian prison as part of a prisoner swap, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirming her release and calling her detention wrongful.
Karelina had been sentenced to 12 years for treason, primarily for a $51 donation to a charity aiding Ukraine during the war, which U.S. officials deemed ludicrous and a violation of her rights.
The exchange took place in Abu Dhabi, facilitated by U.S. and Russian intelligence, as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to stabilize relations between the two nations.
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