A Los Angeles woman who was detained in Russia for more than a year has plated her donations to Ukrainian aid.
Ksenia Karelina landed in American soil Thursday after being arrested for treason in January 1024. The Russian Federation Security Bureau (FSB) detained Russian families on a donation of $51.80 to the Ukrainian Aid Charities during a visit. The woman was born in Russia more than a decade ago before coming to the US.
After Karelina returned to Japan, cheers of joy exploded when she landed at Andrews’ joint base in Maryland. With a smile from ear to ear, the woman jumped up into the arms of her boyfriend Chris Van Heldan upon her arrival.
With tears in her eyes, Karelina thanked the president when she landed.
“President Trump, I am very grateful to the US government. I have never been more blessed to be an American. I am so happy to be home. Thank you,” she said in a video shortly after her arrival.
Karelina, 33, was released in a prisoner exchange with Russia.
It is unclear when she will return to Los Angeles, but Van Heldan said the couple’s dogs are eagerly waiting for her arrival.
The woman worked as an aesthetician at Beverly Hills Spa when she was taken into custody. She was originally sentenced to 12 years by a Russian official.
A Los Angeles woman in Russia has been released after making a $51 donation to a nonprofit sending aid to Ukraine and is set to return to NBC4 News’ US Alex Rozier report at 4:30pm on Thursday, April 10th, 2025.
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