The United States and Russia completed a high-profile prisoner swap on Thursday, exchanging detainees in a move seen as a step toward rebuilding diplomatic ties amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
Ksenia Karelina, a US-Russian dual national, landed safely at Joint Base Andrews shortly before 11:00 pm local time. The 33-year-old had been serving a 12-year sentence in Russia after being convicted of treason for a modest $50 donation to a US-based pro-Ukraine charity. Upon her arrival, she was warmly welcomed by loved ones, including her boyfriend, South African boxer Chris van Heerden, who cheered “welcome home!” before embracing her.
In exchange, Washington released Arthur Petrov, a Russian-German national accused of illegally exporting US electronics to Russian military suppliers. Petrov had been arrested in Cyprus in 2023 and extradited to the US, where he faced a possible 20-year sentence.
The swap was conducted at an airport in Abu Dhabi, overseen by officials from both countries. The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) released footage showing the exchange, including Petrov aboard a plane, stating he had not slept for two days but was otherwise fine.
Former US President Donald Trump confirmed he had raised Karelina’s case after UFC President Dana White brought it to his attention. “She is now out, and that was good. So we appreciate that,” Trump said, adding that he hopes for a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine soon.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe, who led negotiations, praised the UAE’s assistance in facilitating the swap. A CIA spokesperson described the exchange as a “positive step” but emphasized continued efforts to free other Americans detained in Russia, including English teacher Stephen Hubbard.
Meanwhile, US and Russian officials met in Istanbul to discuss restoring embassy staffing and resolving issues around banking access for diplomats, signaling a broader interest in repairing diplomatic channels.
The latest swap follows similar recent exchanges, including the release of teacher Marc Fogel and journalist Evan Gershkovich. As tensions remain high, the latest developments suggest a cautious yet hopeful path forward for Washington and Moscow.
