LA girl imprisoned in Russia speaks out following her launch, return to US – NBC Los Angeles
The Los Angeles girl who was detained in Russia for greater than a yr over a donation towards Ukraine help embraced her family members on Thursday upon her return to the U.S.
Ksenia Karelina touched down on American soil on Thursday following her arrest in January 2024 for treason. Russia’s Federal Safety Service (FSB) detained her throughout a go to to household in Russia for a $51.80 donation to a Ukraine help charity. The lady was born in Russia earlier than coming to the U.S. greater than 10 years in the past.
Cheers of pleasure erupted when Karelina landed at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland upon her return. With a smile from ear to ear, the lady leaped proper into the arms of her boyfriend, Chris Van Heerdan, following her arrival.
With tears in her eyes, Karelina thanked the president when she landed.
“President Trump, I’m so, so grateful for the American authorities and I by no means felt extra blessed to be American and I’m so, so blissful to get house. Thanks,” she mentioned in a video shortly after her arrival.
Karelina, 33, was freed in a prisoner swap with Russia.
It’s unclear when she is going to return to Los Angeles, however Van Heerdan mentioned the couple’s pooch is eagerly awaiting her arrival.
The lady labored as an aesthetician at a Beverly Hills spa when she was detained. She was initially sentenced to 12 years in jail by Russian officers.
The Los Angeles girl who was imprisoned in Russia after she made a $51 donation to a nonprofit that sends help to Ukraine has been launched and is slated to return to the U.S. Alex Rozier studies for the NBC4 Information at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, 2025.
