Ksenia Karelina: Russian-American ballerina with ties to LA released in prisoner swap

Ksenia Karelina, a U.S.-Russian ballerina, with ties to Los Angeles, who was imprisoned in Russia on treason charges, was freed on Thursday in a prisoner exchange, authorities said. 

Karelina arrived in LA Thursday night. It was an emotional moment as she greeted her family after exiting the plane. 

Ksenia Karelina released in prisoner swap

What we know:

Karelina, who holds dual citizenship for both Russia and the United States and resides in Los Angeles, was arrested in the Ural Mountains city of Yekaterinburg in February 2024 and convicted of treason later that year on charges stemming from a donation of about $52 to a charity aiding Ukraine.

She was initially detained for "petty hooliganism" while visiting family in Russia, but the charge was later upgraded to treason after accusations that she was acting as an American spy.

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. Russia’s Federal Security Service, or FSB, accused her of "proactively" collecting money for a Ukrainian organization that was supplying gear to Kyiv's forces. 

Moscow released Karelina in exchange for German-Russian citizen Arthur Petrov, who was arrested in 2023 in Cyprus at the request of the U.S. on charges of exporting sensitive microelectronics, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Former employer responds: ‘I am overwhelmed with joy’

What they're saying:

"I am overwhelmed with joy and relief at the news of Ksenia Karelina’s release. She is not only a former employee, but a remarkable, kind, and resilient young woman who has shown incredible strength throughout this unimaginable ordeal. I cannot wait to finally see her and give her the biggest hug. We are deeply grateful to the federal government for helping bring her home, and we continue to hope and pray for the safe return of all those still waiting to be reunited with their loved ones. Today is a day of hope, love, and profound gratitude," said Isabella Krivisky, owner of the spa where Ksenia worked.

The backstory:

Petrov was extradited to the U.S. in August 2024 where he faced charges of export control violations, smuggling, wire fraud and money laundering. He was accused of involvement in a scheme to procure U.S.-sourced microelectronics subject to U.S. export controls on behalf of a Russia-based supplier of critical electronics components for manufacturers supplying weaponry and other equipment to the Russian military.

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Big picture view:

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. Her release is the latest in a series of high-profile prisoner exchanges Russia and the United States carried out in the last three years. The U.S. authorities have called the case against her "absolutely ludicrous."