Ukraine had high hopes for 2023. Many dreamed the war would end with Ukraine’s victory and that they would finally be able to visit liberated Crimea after nine years of Russian occupation. Ukraine’s much-anticipated summer counteroffensive, aimed at liberating the south, ultimately failed.
Ukraine's government says about 20,000 children have been taken by Russia, but adds it could be closer to 300,000. Ukrainian moms are traveling behind enemy lines to rescue their abducted children.