The Wall Street Journal initially reported Karelina's release, which took place in Abu Dhabi during negotiations between U.S. and Russian diplomats, further emphasizing ongoing talks regarding resuming direct flights and normalizing embassy staffing levels. This follows another recent case where American teacher Marc Fogel was liberated after being wrongfully held on drug charges in Russia, with a negotiation facilitated by Trump's envoy to the Middle East.
American Citizen Released in Rare Prisoner Swap with Russia
American Citizen Released in Rare Prisoner Swap with Russia
Marco Rubio announces the release of Ksenia Karelina, an American detained in Russia, highlighting efforts to improve US-Russia relations.
In a notable development, Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that an American citizen, Ksenia Karelina, has been released from Russian custody in a significant prisoner exchange. Karelina, a dual U.S.-Russian citizen, faced a 12-year sentence in Russia for allegedly committing treason through a small donation to a Ukrainian charity. Rubio announced her return, stating she is en route back to the United States. This release is part of a broader diplomatic effort aimed at enhancing ties between Washington and Moscow, coinciding with discussions about easing travel and embassy operations. Karelina's case echoes previous incidents of American detainees in Russia, pointing to a potential shift in diplomatic relations between the two nations.
