American Ballerina Held Captive by Russians Freed
In a significant development, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Thursday that Russia has released US-Russian ballerina Xenia Karelina. The ballerina, who hails from Los Angeles, was wrongfully detained by Russia for over a year.
According to Rubio, Karelina is currently on her way to the United States. However, no information was provided about her current location or condition. The prisoner exchange involving Karelina took place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, but details about the terms of her release remain undisclosed.
Karelina's arrest in Yekaterinburg during a family visit last year sparked international concern. No further information was provided about the circumstances of her arrest or sentencing, but it was reported that she was sentenced to 12 years in prison for "treason."
Meanwhile, Russian media reported that Karelina had donated $50 to a Ukraine-supporting organization, fuelling speculation about a potential connection between her case and the arrest of another dual German-Russian citizen, Arthur Petrow.
Petrow was arrested in Russia in 2023 on suspicion of supplying microelectronics to manufacturers linked to the Russian military. The Wall Street Journal previously reported that Russia had secured the release of Petrow in exchange for Karelina. However, no details were given about the terms of Petrow's release.
It is important to note that the release of Karelina and the arrest of Petrow are two separate events. No details were provided about any potential connection between the two cases.
Xenia Karelina's release comes as a relief to her friends, family, and fans worldwide. Her art has captivated audiences for years, and her unjust detention had been a source of concern for many. As Karelina continues her journey back to the US, we hope for her swift recovery and a return to her passion for dance.
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