Freedom for Karelina: A High-Stakes Prisoner Swap with Russia

Ksenia Karelina, a Russian-American previously serving a 12-year sentence for treason in Russia, found freedom through a prisoner swap that involved an alleged smuggler held in the US. On Thursday morning, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Karelina’s imminent return to the United States via X, expressing that she had been wrongfully imprisoned in Russia for over a year. “American Ksenia Karelina is on her way home. She was unjustly detained, and President Trump played a pivotal role in negotiating her release,” Rubio shared on X, emphasizing the president’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the freedom of all Americans held abroad.

In return, Russia secured the release of Arthur Petrov, a dual citizen of Russia and Germany, who faced significant charges in the US concerning export control violations, smuggling, wire fraud, and money laundering. This exchange was confirmed by Russian news outlets, citing the FSB, Russia’s security agency, on Thursday. CNN later verified through two US officials that Karelina and Petrov were exchanged. The swap unfolded in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, orchestrated by CIA Director John Ratcliffe, amidst ongoing discussions between Russian and US officials in Istanbul regarding diplomatic ties.

The meeting in Istanbul marked another chapter of diplomatic engagement since President Trump assumed office in January, seeking to end the conflict in Ukraine. Despite recent setbacks in peace talks as Russia resisted a US-backed proposal, this exchange highlighted a proactive approach in negotiations. The United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs applauded the choice of Abu Dhabi as a neutral ground for the swap, reflecting the warm relations with both nations. They expressed hopes that this step might defuse tensions and foster dialogue for regional and global stability.

Petrov faced US charges for allegedly funneling US-manufactured microelectronics to Russia for military applications, contravening export controls imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. These measures were designed to prevent Russia’s access to Western technology. After being arrested in Cyprus in August 2023, Petrov was extradited to the US the following year.

Overjoyed at Karelina’s release, her boyfriend Chris van Heerden, described her as “the love of my life,” eagerly anticipating her return along with their dog, Boots. Van Heerden extended heartfelt gratitude to President Trump and other allies who championed Karelina’s case, including special envoys Steve Witkoff and Adam Boehler, UFC executive Dana White, and film director Peter Berg, among others.

According to inside sources, van Heerden, a former boxing champion, found an ally in Berg at his gym, who then informed Dana White, directly involving President Trump in February. This personal appeal propelled the case to presidential attention. Karelina, aged 33 at sentencing, faced trial for treason after donating slightly over $50 to a US charity supporting Ukraine. Her verdict was passed in Yekaterinburg, at the same court where Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich was previously convicted.

Karelina’s release marks a significant win in ongoing efforts to bring detained Americans home. Living in Los Angeles and a naturalized US citizen since 2021, she visited Russia in January 2024 to see family, unaware of the impending legal troubles. Her ordeal ended in a second American release during Trump’s presidency, following Marc Fogel’s return from Russian detention earlier that year.

The US government continues to monitor several Americans still imprisoned in Russia, including Stephen Hubbard, 72, labeled as wrongfully detained after being sentenced for allegedly fighting for Ukraine. Efforts continue to bring these citizens home as part of broader diplomatic and humanitarian initiatives.