After spending over a year imprisoned in Russia on treason charges, former ballerina Ksenia Karelina has spoken candidly about her experience. Arrested in early 2023 for donating to a Ukrainian charity on the day Russia invaded, Karelina was sentenced to 12 years in a penal colony. However, she was released in a prisoner swap and returned to the United States in April.
In an interview with NewsNation, Karelina described the hardship she endured but also shared how the experience strengthened her values. She emphasized her belief that love and kindness are essential to overcoming life’s darkest challenges.
Throughout her imprisonment, her boyfriend Chris Van Heerden was a steady source of encouragement. He fought for her freedom and was there to greet her upon her return, calling her ordeal a “nightmare.” Karelina credits his support with helping her maintain hope and resilience.
Now back home, Karelina wants to help others facing tough times, using the lessons she learned during her ordeal. With Chris’s help, she is learning to move forward slowly and with purpose.
