Ksenia Karelina Released in U.S.-Russia Prisoner Exchange for Arthur Petrov
Ksenia Karelina was released from a 12-year treason sentence in Russia in a prisoner swap for accused smuggler Arthur Petrov. U.S. officials confirmed the exchange occurred in Abu Dhabi, organized by CIA Director John Ratcliffe. Karelina had been detained after making a donation to a charity supporting Ukraine.
Ksenia Karelina, a Russian-American citizen, was released from a 12-year prison sentence for treason in Russia as part of a prisoner exchange. She was swapped for Arthur Petrov, an accused smuggler held in the United States. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced her release, stating Karelina was wrongfully detained for over a year.
Petrov, a dual Russian-German national, faced multiple charges including export control violations and money laundering. U.S. officials confirmed the exchange occurred in Abu Dhabi, involving CIA Director John Ratcliffe. Petrov’s alleged activities were related to smuggling microelectronics to Russia, which violated U.S. export controls established after the invasion of Ukraine.
Karelina was sentenced to 12 years for treason for donating over $50 to a U.S. charity supporting Ukraine. Her trial took place in the same court where journalist Evan Gershkovich was convicted of espionage. Karelina, an amateur ballerina and U.S. citizen since 2021, traveled to Russia to visit family but was detained shortly after.
Since former President Trump returned to office, Karelina’s release marks the second instance of an American citizen freed from Russian custody. The U.S. continues to monitor over six Americans imprisoned in Russia, including Stephen Hubbard, who has been declared as wrongfully detained.
The recent prisoner exchange demonstrates ongoing diplomatic negotiations between the U.S. and Russia pertaining to detained citizens. Karelina’s release highlights the complexities surrounding international law and human rights, particularly in cases arising from political tensions. As each case unfolds, the U.S. government remains committed to advocating for its citizens abroad, emphasizing wrongful detentions and attempts at securing their safe return.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
