Trump, Dana White Secure Release of Ballerina Ksenia Karelina in Prisoner Swap

Donald Trump, with the assistance of UFC CEO Dana White, facilitated the release of Russian-American ballerina Ksenia Karelina, who had been sentenced to 12 years for treason after donating $51 to a charity supporting Ukraine. Karelina was arrested in January 2024 while visiting family in Russia and was accused of supporting anti-Russian activities through her donation made on the day of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The release was part of a prisoner swap deal that exchanged her for a Russian-German man held in the U.S. for smuggling charges. Trump emphasized the importance of White's role in bringing Karelina's case to his attention and expressed hope for broader peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Karelina's fiancé, professional boxer Chris Van Heerden, highlighted the emotional toll of her imprisonment. This case marks the second prisoner swap under the Trump administration involving American detainees in Russia.