Donald Trump Helps Free SA Boxer's Girlfriend From Russian Prison: "Thank You Mr President"
- South African boxer Chris van Heerden expressed his gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump for helping secure the release of his girlfriend, Ksenia Karelina
- The SA fighter's girlfriend was flagged by Russian authorities after making a $51.80 donation to a charity supporting humanitarian aid in Ukraine
- Karelina's case gained international attention and was resolved through a prisoner swap between the U.S. and Russia
South African boxer Chris van Heerden has shown his gratitude to the President of the United States, Donald Trump, after he helped release his girlfriend, Ksenia Karelina, from a Russian prison.
She was arrested during a visit to Russia to see her family in 2024 but was flagged by the Russian authorities after making a $51.80 donation to a charity providing humanitarian aid in Ukraine.
The Russian-American was convicted of treason following her actions and was handed a 12-year prison sentence.
Source: Getty Images
Chris claimed he approached Joe Biden's government over the issue to get his girlfriend back home but received no response. He was confident that Trump would help get what he wanted when he came into power.
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"I had hope, and I genuinely believed that President Trump would make it happen once in office — and he did," he told the media.
Van Heerden thanks Trump after helping to set his girlfriend free
Karelina was returned to the United States last week as part of a prisoner exchange between Moscow and Washington, brokered with the involvement of President Trump.
The South African boxer took to his official handle on X (formerly known as Twitter) to appreciate Trump for his help.
"My GOD is a faithful GOD that hears the cry of the broken heart and HE answers prayers. In JESUS' name, KSENIA KARELINA is free and on her way home to the greatest country in the world, the United States of America. Thank you, President @POTUS."
Trump, who recently was shown support by Dricus du Plessis despite criticising of South African politics, also explained what transpired and how he got to know about the issue from UFC CEO Dana White, who was his close friend.
Source: Twitter
"It happened at the request of a very good friend of mine, Dana White," he said.
"We had a conversation with President Vladimir Putin, and an agreement was reached. The young ballerina was released — and that was a positive outcome. Now, we’re hopeful we can broker a broader deal with Russia and Ukraine to bring an end to the conflict."
Van Heerden and Ksenia Karelina were reunited after she endured 15 months behind bars in a Russian prison, and the prisoner exchange was done in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
Trump, who had travel bans placed on some countries, have been rolling out new policies since he returned as president, but it hasn't stopped him from rendering help just like he did for Chris and Ksenia.
Bafana's WC hopes in doubt after Trump's controversial decision
Briefly News also reported that 2026 FIFA World Cup have been thrown into uncertainty after the recent policy shift by the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump.
There's a big concern about Bafana Bafana participation in the tournament next year due the impact of the recent policy on South Africa.
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Source: Briefly News
