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Boyfriend of Ksenia Khavana, Los Angeles ballet dancer detained in Russia, speaks out
Ksenia Khavana, a ballet dancer with dual U.S. and Russian citizenship, was arrested in Russia on charges of treason in late January. Chris Van Heerden, a former world champion boxer and Khavana’s boyfriend, spoke to CBS News about the fight to bring her back.
Van Heerden said he and Khavana met in 2020 in Los Angeles and have been romantically involved for the past six months. The couple celebrated the new year together in Istanbul, Turkey, before Khavana flew to her family’s hometown of Yekaterinburg, Russia, about 1,100 miles east of Moscow.
“She was just so excited to go back home because she misses her grandparents,” Van Heerden said. “And that was the purpose of me buying that ticket. I bought her that ticket, and I’m so angry at myself, but I didn’t know.”
Chris Van Heerden
Van Heerden bought Khavana the ticket as a birthday present, saying that, although he was worried about the ongoing war in Ukraine, she alleviated his concerns. He reached out to her when he returned to Los Angeles from Turkey, but “hours went by with no response.”
Khavana eventually called Van Heerden from her mother’s phone, saying she had been detained upon her arrival and her phone had been taken. The next three weeks passed without incident.
“I remember the last week I could see my girlfriend — I was like, she’s happy, finally she’s relaxing… she was excited,” Van Heerden said of their daily FaceTimes on Khavana’s mother’s phone.
On the morning of Jan. 27 Khavana told Van Heerden that everything was good, and she had been told she could pick up her phone ahead of her return flight. But Van Heerden later received a call from Khavana’s father, who told him she had been detained.
Khavana was arrested after making a donation of only about $51 to a Ukrainian charity. Russia’s Federal Security Service alleges she also took part in “public actions” in the U.S. in support of Kyiv. It did not provide further details about the allegations.
If convicted of treason under Article 275 of the Russian Criminal Code, Khavana faces up to 20 years in prison.
“I’ve been [speaking to] the U.S. State Department, Congressman Adam Schiff’s seen me in L.A., The U.S. embassy in Moscow has responded, but everyone is not saying anything because apparently Ksenia needs to sign some forms,” Van Heerden said of the case’s current status. “This could take weeks or months. And I’m like, who do I speak to to make sure we get someone to Ksenia ASAP to make sure she’s okay and sign those letters so I can be in the loop?”
The only contact Van Heerden has had with Khavana since her detention has been via letters, which he says go through vetting protocols. When Khavana went to court in Russia previously, she stood alone, Van Heerden said.
“The lawyer didn’t show up. No one wants to touch this case,” Van Heerden said. She is next scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 29, and has not yet been able to secure legal representation, Van Heerden told CBS News.
“I just want to give this girl a fighting chance. I just want to let her know that hey, when she arrives there on the 29th, there’s a lawyer, and she doesn’t feel like no one cares about her.” Van Heerden said. “I’m just desperate. I want to fight for this girl.”
— Imtiaz Tyab contributed reporting.
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Credit card debt can really take its toll this time of year. Not only is the average credit card holder already carrying nearly $8,000 in credit card debt, but during the holiday season, many of us are tempted to rack up the balances even further to manage that holiday gift list.
Throw in today’s soaring credit card interest rates (over 23% on the typical credit card), and paying down that debt can feel even more challenging than normal.
Is that credit card debt a problem you should try to tackle now, though? Or should you wait until the hustle and bustle of the holidays has slowed down? Here’s what experts have to say.
Start comparing your credit card debt relief options now.
When you shouldn’t wait until after the holidays to tackle your debt
If you think the holiday season is only going worsen your credit card debt problems — or tempt you to overspend — then starting to tackle your debt today is best, experts say.
“Debt elimination isn’t a two-week process, so starting before or after the holidays has no effect — unless you get yourself into more debt because of the holidays,” says Steve Charlton, principal at Wisdom Financial. “Then you have to pay more interest on Christmas gifts or vacations.”
You should also act now if you want to avoid racking up any more interest on your credit card debts.
“The major drawback of waiting is that interest accumulates daily,” says Curt Scott, president of Scott Financial Group. “This results in a higher loan balance when you do start tackling debt in January.”
Finally, if you just want to go into the new year a little bit ahead of the game — and with less of a mountain to climb — taking steps toward debt relief now can be wise.
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is today,” Charlton says.
Find out how to get rid of your credit card debt today.
When you should wait until after the holidays to tackle your debt
There are really only two benefits that come with waiting to tackle your high-rate debt. The first is less stress — both financial and mental.
“Waiting until after the holidays to tackle debt can help avoid further budgetary strain during an already expensive time of the year,” Scott says. “Waiting can also provide some emotional relief during a holiday season that can be stressful, helping focus on spending and enjoying time with family and friends.”
Waiting it out could also allow you to better “focus on your debts without distraction” in the new year, says Howard Dvorkin, chairman of Debt.com.
“It’s hard to deal with debt during the holidays,” Dvorkin says. “That’s like saying you’ll start your diet on Thanksgiving day. Most Americans deal with their weight and their debt in January. That’s when they step on the scale and get their credit card statements. In both cases, they’re horrified by how big the number is. That’s when they get serious.”
The bottom line
Whatever path you choose to take, it’s important to have a plan before diving in. Set a budget to help you pay down your balances, and talk to a financial professional or credit counselor if necessary. You can also contact a debt relief company or explore debt relief options like debt consolidation, debt forgiveness or a debt management program.
Most importantly, you’ll need to address the root of your debt problems.
“It is important to identify the early signs that you may have a debt problem and make immediate behavior changes to avoid debt excessive accumulation,” Scott says. “People tend to continue their habits unless they make a conscious effort to change.”
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