Following the release of American teacher Marc Fogel in a prisoner exchange with Russia, there is renewed hope for Russian-American ballerina Ksenia Karelina, who is currently serving a 12-year sentence in a Russian prison for donating a small sum to a Ukrainian charity. Her boyfriend, Christopher Van Heerden, revealed to Fox News that the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) informed Karelina’s family that she is "in transit." While this doesn't guarantee her release, it often signifies a transfer to a prison closer to Moscow, a common step before a prisoner's release.
This development follows an unusual nine-day communication blackout between Karelina and her mother, who previously spoke daily. Karelina was apprehended in Yekaterinberg in February 2024, accused of treason for her $51 donation. The U.S. State Department has officially designated her as "wrongfully detained," a significant move that coincides with Fogel's release. The U.S. reportedly released Russian prisoner Alexander Vinnik in exchange for Fogel.
Ksenia Karelina, detained in Russia for donating to a Ukrainian charity. (Christopher Van Heerden)
Karelina's family has been informed of her "in transit" status. (Christopher Van Heerden)
Ksenia Karelina with her boyfriend, Christopher Van Heerden. (Christopher Van Heerden)
Karelina has been designated as "wrongfully detained" by the State Department. (Christopher Van Heerden)
Van Heerden, while cautiously optimistic, expressed hope for Karelina’s return. He confirmed that key figures, including former President Donald Trump, Senator Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Adam Boehler, are actively involved in her case. He believes there is significant movement towards her potential release.
