Ukraine also claims to have captured hundreds of Russian prisoners of war, who could be traded for Ukrainian prisoners held by Russia. The Russians guarding the border posts in Kursk were mostly conscripts, forced to serve as part of Russia’s mobilization, as opposed to the battle-hardened contract soldiers and irregular forces fighting in Ukraine’s east and south. Putting those conscripts at risk poses a political risk for President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia; in Ukraine, Mr. Zelensky has referred to an “exchange fund” that Ukraine has starkly increased.

 

Ukraine’s Push Into Russia Met Early Success. Where Does It Go From Here?