'She is a strong person': Ballerina still detained in Russian prison since January
Ksenia Karelina has been detained in a Russian prison since January
Ksenia Karelina has been detained in a Russian prison since January
Ksenia Karelina has been detained in a Russian prison since January
A ballerina with a Maryland connection is still being held in a Russian prison.
Agents initially detained Ksenia Karelina for cursing at an airport. They soon bumped the charge to treason for making a $51 aid donation for Ukraine.
A lot of people are working hard to free Karelina, including U.S. government officials and a private team trying to get her out.
The private team initially told her former mother-in-law, Eleonora Srebroski, to keep quiet.
However, she is speaking out following new advice that she now needs to make a lot of noise.
Srebroski, who lives in Owings Mills, read an eight-page letter from Karelina, which she said is full of love and care.
"She is so ashamed that she is causing us a lot of problems. She is saying how much she loves us," Srebroski told 11 News.
Karelina, a 33-year-old amateur ballerina who works at a Los Angeles spa, is being held for treason after she donated to a New York-based nonprofit that provides humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
Karelina is a dual citizen, but Russia does not recognize dual citizenship. She flew to Russia to visit with her family.
"We know that she doesn't drink," Srebroski said. "We know that she doesn't cuss. We know how sweet she is. She brings sunlight to any situation."
Russian authorities charged her with treason after finding the charitable donation on her phone. She's been detained since January and has a closed trial scheduled for next week. She faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
"We are supposed to have her appointed as a wrongfully held person. But this is not possible until she is sentenced," Srebroski said.
Karelina first came to the U.S. in 2012, working at a vegetable stand in Randallstown. She became a United States citizen in 2021 and remains close with Srebroski.
"Selfless, always put other people first and not herself," Srebroski said. "She could be a little naive just because she expects other people to act and react the way she would be acting and reacting."
In letters from prison, Karelina said she is physically alright, which brings some comfort to loved ones.
"She is a strong person," Srebroski said. "Even though she is sweet, she has her inner strength, and I hope this strength will help her."
