The former U.S. ballerina who was freed from a Russian ‘hellhole’ prison has broken her silence in her first interview since her release.
In her first primetime interview since being freed in April, dual U.S.-Russian citizen Ksenia Karelina, 33, revealed that it was her boyfriend Chris van Heerden’s ‘love and kindness’ that helped her endure her ‘darkest times.’
‘I feel like this experience gave me a lot. Other than it took a lot from me mentally and physically, I feel like it gave me a lot too,’ she said during an interview with NewsNation’s Chris Cuomo, 54, on Tuesday.
Karelina described van Heerden, 38, as her ‘biggest supporter’ throughout the entire 15-month ordeal, during which he reportedly spent every moment advocating for her release.
‘He helped me so much through all this and keep the smile on my face,’ she said.
Karelina was arrested in Russia after it was discovered she had donated $51 to Razom, a charity that provides aid to Ukraine, in 2022.
She later pleaded guilty to treason and was sentenced to 12 years in a Russian penal colony.
Dual U.S.-Russian citizen Ksenia Karelina (right), 33, revealed that it was her boyfriend Chris van Heerden’s (left) ‘love and kindness’ that helped her endure her ‘darkest times’
‘I feel like this experience gave me a lot. Other than it took a lot from me mentally and physically, I feel like it gave me a lot too,’ she said during an interview with NewsNation’s Chris Cuomo (pictured), 54, on Tuesday
However, the former ballerina was released in April 2025 as part of a major prisoner exchange between the United States and Russia.
In return, Arthur Petrov – a Russian-German man who had been jailed in the U.S. on smuggling charges – was handed over to Russian authorities.
Despite the trauma she experienced, Karelina said the ordeal ultimately ‘changed [her] life.’
‘I feel like I just get stronger in my values and believing in kindness and love,’ she said.
‘I strongly believe that this is what is going to help the world to get better. [Love and kindness] is what is going to drag you through the darkest places, darkest times of your life. I feel like this experience gave me a lot.’
Van Heerden spoke proudly of Karelina’s resilience and her belief that love helped guide her through her suffering.
Karelina described van Heerden, 38, as her ‘biggest supporter’ throughout the entire 15-month ordeal, during which he reportedly spent every moment advocating for her release. Pictured: Ksenia Karelina hugs Chris van Heerden, as she arrives on April 10, 2025, at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland
Karelina was arrested in Russia after it was discovered she had donated $51 to Razom, a charity that provides aid to Ukraine, in 2022
The former ballerina was released in April 2025 as part of a major prisoner exchange between the United States and Russia. Pictured: President DonaldTrump meets with Ksenia Karelina and her boyfriend Chris van Herdeen after she was freed from the Russian prison
‘Love wins no matter what,’ he said of his efforts to support her and push for her release.
‘I believe everyone would have done what I did if they were in my position. I also don’t want people to forget what she’s been through – she is so strong.’
Since returning home, Karelina said she is focused on rebuilding a sense of normalcy in her life.
She also expressed gratitude to Cuomo, whom she now considers ‘a friend.’
‘Thanks to Chris, I have the ability to take things slow, but I would really love to help people get through dark places,’ she said. ‘Because it was hard – what I went through – and I now know some tools to get through hard things.’
