Russian-American ballerina 'in transit' after US says she was wrongfully detained, boyfriend says

The Russian-American ballerina Ksenia Karelina, who was given a 12-year sentence in a Russian prison for making a donation of just over $50 to a Ukrainian charity in early 2024, is currently in a state of transition, according to her boyfriend speaking to Fox News. This development comes after American Marc Fogel was released as part of a prisoner exchange.

Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has communicated this update to Karelina’s family through her boyfriend, Christopher Van Heerden, as reported to Fox News on Thursday.

The term “in transit” does not necessarily indicate Karelina’s imminent release; however, it could suggest that Russia is relocating her to a prison near Moscow, a step often taken before an individual is set free.

The news came during what Van Heerden described as an unusual nine-day gap in communication between Karelina and her mom, who had typically spoken on the phone every day since her incarceration.

While Van Heerden said that while he obviously can’t take the FSB at its word, he’s optimistic about Karelina’s return home, adding that President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Adam Boehler are all aware and focusing on Karelina’s case. 

Ksenia Karelina and Christopher Van Heerden

The State Department determined Karelina was “wrongfully detained” on Tuesday. (Christopher Van Heerden )

“Movement is happening as we speak,” Van Heerden said.

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