Ekaterina Skuratova, a woman featured on the controversial show “Zhduli,” has opened up about her multiple relationships with prisoners and the reasons behind her attraction to men behind bars. Her story sheds light on the lives of women known as “waiters,” “correspondence wives,” or “sweethearts,” who form communities and seek love with incarcerated individuals.

Skuratova’s relationships with prisoners began in her youth, following a turbulent period after the death of her stepfather. Experiencing mourning, denial, and anger, she rebelled and was later given her own apartment at 16, marking the start of her independent life.

Her first husband was incarcerated in his youth, and she met her second while delivering a care package. She later connected with her third husband, Denis, who wrote to her for ten years while serving his sentence.

Ekaterina’s first serious relationship began at age 26 with a man named Andrey, a childhood friend who had been imprisoned. Despite Ekaterina’s initial reluctance, Andrey’s persistence and circumstances led to their marriage after his parole. However, their happiness was short-lived due to Andrey’s infidelity, resulting in divorce.

Following her divorce from Andrey, Ekaterina met Dmitry while accompanying a friend to a correctional facility. Their communication developed into a romantic relationship, culminating in a prison wedding. Ekaterina regularly visited Dmitry until his release in 2018.

However, Dmitry’s addiction resurfaced, leading to a difficult cycle of episodes and remission. Despite his otherwise positive qualities, Ekaterina could no longer cope with his drug use and asked him to leave. Tragically, Dmitry died shortly after.

Throughout her relationships, Ekaterina maintained contact with another prisoner named Denis, whom she had met years prior. After Dmitry’s death, Ekaterina reconnected with Denis, eventually leading to their marriage while he was incarcerated.

Upon Denis’s release, the couple faced challenges, including distance, distrust, and conflicting personalities. Their marriage ultimately ended in divorce. Denis violated correctional labor regulations and disappeared. Ekaterina actively participates in the search for her ex-husband, driven by human compassion.

Ekaterina attributes her pattern of relationships with prisoners to a lack of time and limited opportunities for meeting people in conventional settings. She also discusses the “zhdul” community, a network of women who share similar experiences and offer support to one another.

After years of relationships with incarcerated men, Ekaterina has decided to change her life and pursue relationships with men in the outside world. She has lost weight and is focusing on building a bright, fulfilling life with real, ambitious men.