State Department: American Ksenia Carolina returning after detention in Russia; officials press for release of other detainees

Tammy Bruce, State Department spokesperson, said Wednesday that American Ksenia Carolina, who had been detained in Russia for more than a year, is on her way back to the United States and will soon be reunited with family.

Bruce said, “We have not forgotten about all of those who Russia continues to to unjustly detain including American Stephen Hubbard.” She credited Secretary Rubio, Special Envoy Witkoff, CIA Director Ratcliffe, National Security Adviser Waltz and Special Envoy Bowler for mobilizing teams to secure the exchange and thanked the government of the United Arab Emirates for its support.

The swap also returned Russian national Arthur Petrov to Russia, Bruce said, and when asked for additional details she replied that “that is all I’ll share in that regard.” Reporter Matt Lee of The Associated Press pressed Bruce for clarification on whether the swap was discussed at recent U.S.-Russia meetings; Bruce repeated that her office continues to press for the release of Stephen Hubbard, who she said has been detained for nearly three years.

Bruce said the administration remains committed to bringing home Americans held abroad, describing it as a repeated pledge by President Trump and a continuing priority for U.S. diplomacy.

No travel itinerary, hospital destination, or timetable for Carolina’s arrival was provided; Bruce cited privacy considerations and said plans about medical care or transport were matters for the individual and appropriate medical teams.

The State Department did not provide additional operational details about the negotiations or any conditions of the exchange.

Bruce said work will continue to press for the release of other Americans still detained in Russia.