Russian-American Ballerina Returns to US After 15-Month Imprisonment in Russia

Ksenia Karelina, detained for a $51 donation to a Ukraine-linked charity, was released in a prisoner exchange and is now undergoing medical evaluation in San Antonio.

• Ksenia Karelina, a dual Russian-American citizen, spent 15 months in a Russian penal colony after being sentenced for treason over a small donation to a Ukraine-related charity.
• Her release was secured through a prisoner exchange, trading her for Arthur Petrov, a Russian German arrested on charges of smuggling sensitive microelectronics.
• Karelina arrived in Maryland on Thursday and is currently undergoing medical evaluation at a military hospital in San Antonio for a soft reentry.
• Her fiancé, Chris Van Heerden, expressed gratitude to President Trump for facilitating her release, contrasting it with his frustrations with the prior administration.
• Karelina has been visibly overwhelmed by the warm reception in the US, requesting simple comforts like ice cream and personal care items as she begins her recovery.

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