Why Ukraine's Kursk offensive could bring Azov prisoners of war home | Analysis

For more than two years since Russian forces took her son prisoner at the Azovstal steel works in Mariupol in 2022, Larissa Kycherenko has prayed for his release.

Now, Ukraine’s offensive into Russia’s Kursk region has raised hopes that may finally come home.

“The other women and I read about the possibility of the prisoner exchange on Telegram. That there are conversations about that going on. We are truly hoping and praying that this will be the case,” Ms Kycherenko, who’s husband is also in Russian captivity, told the Telegraph over the weekend.

"But the reality is that we are dealing with Russia. Russia is such a country that you cannot believe them. One day they say one thing, then the next another. We are truly hoping there will be some form of exchange.

Ukraine has been secretive about the tactical objectives of its invasion of Kursk.

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