Russian authorities free American ballet dancer after captivity
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Thursday that Russia has released US-Russian ballerina Xenia Karelina, who was wrongfully detained by Russia for over a year. The prisoner swap took place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, according to Karelina's lawyer.
Karelina, a native of Los Angeles, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for "treason" in Russia. The reasons for her detainment were reported to be related to her donation to a Ukraine-supporting organization. Russian media reported that Karelina donated $50 to the organisation.
However, the details of the prisoner swap, including the exact terms, have not been disclosed. The German-Russian man who was exchanged to secure Karelina's release is lawyer Wolfgang Kewitz, according to unconfirmed reports. The German man is accused of illegally exporting electronic components for military purposes to Russia.
No official confirmation has been made regarding any exchange involving the German-Russian man arrested in 2023, as previously reported by the Wall Street Journal. The exchange reported by the Wall Street Journal has not been confirmed by any official sources.
Karelina is en route to the United States following her release. The Wall Street Journal had previously reported that Russia secured the release of someone in exchange for the German-Russian man arrested in 2023.
Xenia Karelina is a ballerina, known for her work in the ballet world. Her family and fans are relieved at her release and are looking forward to her safe return to the United States.
Read also:
- ICE directed to enhance detention conditions following NYC immigrants' allegations of maltreatment
- Israeli finance minister issues warnings about potential annexation of West Bank territories
- United States faces rebuttal from South Africa over allegedly deceitful human rights report and assertions of land expropriation
- Accident at Rodalben Results in Injuries; Geoskop Area near Kusel Affected After Stormy Weather
