Russian-American ballerina Xenia Karelina returned to the US late Thursday in a prisoner exchange after a March discussion with President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Karelina arrived at Andrews’ co-base after being released in August 2023 in exchange for Artur Petrov, a German-American who allegedly smuggled sensitive microelectronics into Russia. Associated Press (AP) reported citing Russia’s Federal Security Agency. Karelina was arrested and convicted of treason in February 2024 on allegations that she had donated about $52 to a charity that provided assistance to Ukraine. Trump said that Karelina’s release followed discussions with Putin at cabinet meeting Thursday.
“We talked to President Putin about it, they made a deal, they released a young ballerina, and she’s out now, and it was good. So we appreciate it,” Trump praised UFC CEO Dana White for being involved in the process. According to the Associated Press, US authorities labeled the incident as “absolutely Sliding.”
Trump and Putin discussed improvements in US-Russia relations during the call on March 18th. According to US State Department press release.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised Carrerina’s release Posted on April 10th Shared with a verified X account.
“American Xenia Karelina is on a plane back to the US. She was illegally detained in Russia for over a year, and President Trump has secured her release. @potus will continue to work for the release of all Americans.”
Xenia Carreina of America is on a plane returning to the US.
She was illegally detained in Russia for over a year, and President Trump secured her release. @potus will continue to work for the release of all Americans.
– Secretary Marco Rubio (@secrubio) April 10, 2025
Karerina became a US citizen in 2021 and moved to Los Angeles. Politics. Her lawyers appealed to be placed under house arrest in place of detention in Russia, but a Russian court rejected the request, Russian national media reported in February 2024. (Related: “I’m So Fun”: Freed Russian prisoners fight tears visible as they celebrate their release at the White House)
in video Shared with X by Dr. Sebastian Gorka, Karelina said she was “very grateful.” Trump posted a video to him True Social AccountsHe wrote, “I’m glad you got home.”
The Trump administration previously secured the release of Mark Vogel, a teacher who was detained in a Russian prison on drug charges.
Daily callers contacted the White House for comments.
