Just because she wasn't a citizen didn't mean she couldn't skate for the US. Tanith Belbin skated for years as a Canadian until she finally became a US citizen. Not being a citizen just meant that she couldn't go to the Olympics for the US.They had to have applied for citizenship years ago. It just happens that it went through now (i.e., that they took the oath).
Now it becomes clear why Ksenia started out skating for Russia. She couldn't skate for the US because she wasn't a US citizen, and anyway, she hadn't made it to Nationals since her Novice years. She skated for Russia at a time when there wasn't much competition there at the Senior level, and she did well. But once the wunderkinder moved up to Seniors, her days as a top Russian skater were numbered.
Who knows what her next move will be. At least now there is another option at her disposal----skating for the US. Of course RFSF could refuse to release her, but since she is now a US citizen, Ksenia could appeal to the ISU on that basis.
Although I can understand why Oleg and the family did this (well, they’ve been based in the US for years and, with Russia having a conveyor belt of good young skaters, Ksenia doesn’t have much hope of getting back on the Russian team), I am surprised with this development.
After everything the Makarovs have done for figure skating in Russia, I am surprised that they are taking US citizenship. Plus, there is no guarantee of Ksenia getting on the American team.
But, it’s worth a try
CaroLiza_fan