Explore the story of Ksenia Karelina, a Russian-American ballerina whose $51 donation to a Ukraine charity led to a 12-year sentence in Russia and her subsequent release in a US-Russia prisoner exchange.
Early Life and Career
Born on December 13, 1991, in Yekaterinburg, Russia, Ksenia Karelina exhibited a passion for ballet from a young age. She pursued this interest alongside her academic studies, eventually relocating to Los Angeles in 2012. In 2021, she became a naturalized U.S. citizen, balancing her love for dance with work in the spa industry.
The Incident: A $51 Donation
In February 2024, during a visit to her family in Yekaterinburg, Karelina made a single donation of $51.80 to Razom, a New York-based nonprofit providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine. This act, perceived by Russian authorities as support for the Ukrainian government, led to her arrest on charges of treason.
Legal Proceedings and International Response
Karelina’s trial commenced in June 2024, proceeding behind closed doors. She pleaded guilty in August, and on August 15, she was sentenced to 12 years in a Russian penal colony. The severity of the sentence drew international criticism, with human rights organizations and governments expressing concern over the fairness of the trial and the harshness of the punishment.
Diplomatic Negotiations: The Prisoner Exchange
After 15 months in detention, Karelina’s situation became a focal point in U.S.-Russia relations. Intensive diplomatic efforts culminated in a prisoner exchange on April 10, 2025, in Abu Dhabi. Karelina was released in exchange for Arthur Petrov, a German-Russian national accused of illegally exporting U.S. microelectronics to Russia.
Reactions and Implications
The exchange was hailed as a significant diplomatic achievement. President Donald Trump credited discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and praised the role of the CIA in facilitating the negotiations. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized ongoing efforts to secure the release of other Americans detained abroad.
Ongoing Concerns
Despite Karelina’s release, several Americans remain imprisoned in Russia, underscoring the complexities of international diplomacy and the challenges in securing the freedom of detained citizens. The case also highlights the potential risks faced by dual citizens traveling to countries with strained diplomatic relations.
