Russian National Detained in Cyprus Exchanged for Convicted Ballerina

Arthur Petrov, a Russian citizen who was previously detained in Cyprus and extradited to the United States on charges of violating export control laws, is returning to Moscow. He was exchanged for ballerina Ksenia Karelin, who had been sentenced to 12 years in prison in Russia for treason.

The exchange was confirmed by the Federal Security Service (FSB). The operation took place on April 10, 2025, at Abu Dhabi International Airport, with the mediation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) authorities.

“On April 10, 2025, Russian citizen Arthur Petrov was returned to his homeland at Abu Dhabi International Airport, with the mediation of the UAE,” read an official statement from the FSB.

Petrov was arrested in the Republic of Cyprus in 2023 at the request of the United States. In 2024, he was extradited to the U.S., where he faced up to 20 years in prison.

In exchange, U.S. citizen Ksenia Karelin, who also holds Russian citizenship, was transferred to the U.S. She had been sentenced in Russia to 12 years in a penal colony for "providing financial assistance to a foreign state," which was classified as treason.

Her release became possible following a pardon decree signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The FSB also expressed its gratitude to the UAE authorities for their help in organizing the exchange.