A powerful victory for American strength and diplomacy—delivered once again by President Donald J. Trump.
Ksenia Karelina, the Russian-American ballerina held for over a year in a brutal Russian penal colony, is finally home—and she says she owes it all to President Trump.
In a heartfelt video message shared Friday morning by Trump on Truth Social, Karelina said:
“President Trump, I’m so, so grateful to you for bringing me home. I’ve never felt more proud to be an American. Thank you.”
🇺🇸 Trump captioned the video simply but powerfully: “Glad to have you back home.”
✈️ Emotional Homecoming After Political Prison Sentence
Karelina, who had been sentenced to 12 years in a Russian prison for making a small $51.80 donation to a Ukrainian charity, touched down late Thursday night at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.
She was seen weeping with joy as she embraced her fiancé, professional boxer Chris Van Heerden, after stepping off the plane.
According to U.S. officials, she is now receiving help through a Post-Isolation Support Program, designed to assist Americans wrongfully imprisoned abroad.
⚖️ Trump Delivers Justice—While Biden’s State Department Failed
Karelina was not included in President Biden’s highly publicized August 2024 prisoner swap, which freed journalist Evan Gershkovich, veteran Paul Whelan, and others. At the time, many critics said Biden had “forgotten” everyday Americans.
President Trump didn’t forget.
As part of a strategic prisoner exchange, Karelina was traded for German-Russian Arthur Petrov, who was facing charges in the U.S. for exporting restricted microelectronics.
🇷🇺 What Was Karelina Accused Of?
Karelina, a U.S. citizen and performer based in Los Angeles, had visited family in Russia when she was arrested. Russian officials initially accused her of “petty hooliganism,” but later escalated the charges to treason—all for a small online donation supporting Ukrainians displaced by war.
The Kremlin falsely claimed she had “supported Ukraine’s military” and participated in “public actions” while in the U.S.
🦅 Rubio: “Trump Working to Free All Americans”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised Trump’s effort, posting:
“Ksenia Karelina is now on her way back to the United States after being unjustly held in Russia for over a year. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, she is finally free. The President remains committed to bringing every wrongfully detained American back home.”
This marks another bold rescue mission under Trump’s leadership—proving once again that America is respected when it is strong.
🇺🇸 Trump Also Freed American Teacher Marc Fogel
Karelina isn’t the only one President Trump has brought home. In February 2025, Trump secured the release of Marc Fogel, an American teacher wrongfully imprisoned in Russia since 2021.
The pattern is clear: When President Trump is in charge, Americans are safer.
🙌 AMERICA FIRST: Trump Proves Leadership Again
President Trump’s unwavering commitment to defending American citizens—whether at home or abroad—continues to shine through. His strength on the global stage sends a message that the United States will never leave its people behind.