Trump to meet with American ballerina freed from Russian prison
President Donald Trump will be hosting a Russian-American ballerina, Ksenia Karelina, at the White House on Monday, marking a significant moment following her release from a Russian prison. Karelina, a former ballerina, was sentenced to 12 years in a Russian penal colony in 2024 for treason. However, her fortunes changed when the Trump administration successfully secured her release through a U.S.-Russian prison swap, allowing her to return to the U.S. on April 10.
Upon her return, Karelina expressed her gratitude towards President Trump and the American government, stating, “Mr. Trump, I’m so, so grateful for you to bring me home and for [the] American government. And I never felt more blessed to be American, and I’m so, so happy to get home.” A White House official confirmed that Karelina will visit the White House on Monday afternoon, where she will be honored for her resilience and strength throughout her ordeal.
Born in Russia and holding U.S. citizenship, Karelina had been living and working in Los Angeles before her arrest. During a visit to her family in Yekaterinburg, Russia, in 2024, she was detained by Russia’s Federal Security Service for allegedly donating about $50 to a U.S.-based charity that aids Ukraine. Initially held for “petty hooliganism,” the charges were later escalated to treason as Russian officials accused her of supporting Ukraine through her actions in the U.S.
In a prisoner swap deal, Karelina was exchanged for Arthur Petrov, a dual German Russian citizen accused of exporting sensitive U.S. electronics to the Russian military. This exchange marked a diplomatic success for the Trump administration, bringing Karelina back to safety and reuniting her with her loved ones in the U.S.
Karelina’s family expressed their joy and relief at her release, with her former stepmother Eleonra Srebroski sharing her euphoria over the prisoner swap and praising President Trump for his role in securing Karelina’s freedom. Karelina’s boyfriend, Chris Van Heerden, also expressed his gratitude towards Trump, stating, “We really need to thank him personally. When the time’s right, she’d love to meet him and I would love to shake his hand for bringing back the love of my life.”
The White House meeting between President Trump and Ksenia Karelina signifies a moment of triumph and gratitude for all involved. It showcases the power of diplomacy and compassion in reuniting individuals with their loved ones and ensuring justice prevails. Karelina’s journey serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and support in times of adversity, and her visit to the White House is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
