Russian woman carries Ukraine placard at Winter Olympics opening ceremony

Anastasia Kucherova, a Russian living in Milan, carried the Ukraine team placard during the Milan Cortina Winter Games opening ceremony and later told The Associated Press she chose the role to show opposition to Russia's war in Ukraine.

Anastasia Kucherova, a Russian living in Milan, carried the Ukraine team placard during the opening ceremony of the Milan Cortina Winter Games. She wore the same hooded silver coat and dark glasses used by other placard bearers, which kept her identity private as she led the Ukrainian delegation into San Siro stadium. Kucherova, an architect who has lived in Milan for 14 years, said she chose Ukraine when volunteers were asked for preferences. She later spoke with The Associated Press about doing the act to express opposition to the war in Ukraine. Reported details: - Kucherova carried the illuminated Ukraine sign and led five Ukrainian athletes into the stadium. - She first revealed her role on Instagram and then discussed it with The Associated Press. - She has lived in Milan for 14 years and works as an architect. - Ukrainian athletes addressed her in Russian, which she said felt like a sign of a connection between people. - She connected the gesture to the ongoing war and spoke about it on the second anniversary of the poisoning death of dissident Alexei Navalny. Summary: Her act prompted applause and moved her to speak publicly about why she chose the role, saying it was meant to show that not all Russians support the war and to acknowledge the persistence of the conflict for Ukrainians. The immediate public response highlighted attention to the Ukrainian team at the ceremony. Undetermined at this time.