She came from Russia with nothing more than love.
When the Russian-American dancer, Ksenia Karelina, put a plane in Maryland Thorsday after 15 months in a gloomy Russian prison, fell into the arms that waited for her fiance and anxious promised, champion Chris Van Heerden.
“I was so confused, covered and nervous,” said Van Heerden to the post on Saturday about waiting for the asphalt for his arrival.
“I wore this nervous since I fought for a world title. I made that I have seen Ksenia in 15 months, so in my head I am creating all these images of what she could take care of after all that time in prison. I did it and surprised a badly surprised.
“People started going out one by one and when I reached the corner, I saw her and saw me. I saw her smile, I saw my Ksenia. I felt very relieved. When she hugged me, that was. The nerves had gone.
“I whispered in his ear, I said” it’s over, “said Van Heerden.
“She said anything. I think everything was very unreal for her. I said:” I love you “and she said:” I love you too. “
The dancer and worker of the double citizen SPA was accused of betrayal against the Russian government when she donated $ 51 to a charity organization that allegedly supported Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the day Russia invaded her neighbor. He was sentenced to 12 years in a criminal colony.
The United States assured Karelina’s return in exchange for the Russian German Arthur Petrov, who was arrested in Cyprus in August 2023 at the request of the United States for charges of microelectronic smuggling sensitive to Russia. He was extradited to the United States a year later.
“Everything happened very fast,” De Heerden told the post about the sudden launch of Karelina.
Karelina was something in a state of shock and virtual did not sleep for 48 hours when she arrived in the United States. He is now in a military hospital in San Antonio and will probably remain there during the next seven to 10 days while he is evaluated and give him a gentle re -entry.
Van Heer could be alone with her for the first time at the facilities. They lay down in bed together for two hours, he said.
“Only I and I were and started a little uncomfortable with a small talk,” he said. “I was silent and let her talk and before realizing, she was fashionable. I put my hand on her arm.
“His smile lit up and flexed on me … I almost cried.”
Karelina, who is a aestheticist, only had a couple of immediate applications.
“Ice cream. I wanted ice cream. I wanted two sers, so I can start my eyebrows’ and a very scraper.”
The couple is anxious to meet and thank President Trump.
“Ksenia made it clear that she would love to shake her hand,” said De Heerden.
“We really need to thank her personally. When it is correct, she would love to meet him and I would love to shake hands for bringing my life back. And I don’t like politics.
“I was the driving administration for a whole year to bring Ksenia back. Around seven Monhs realized that this will not happen. They won’t do it for me. I had faith and I really believed when the president did.”
Van Heerden said Karelina has been specially surpassed by the reception of Americans.
“She is so girl and so loving … [stateside]. “