Putin extends ‘gratitude’ to Hamas following release of Russian hostage
Moscow has made diplomatic efforts to secure the release of individuals being held captive in Gaza. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to the political wing of Hamas for releasing Russian-Israeli citizen Aleksandr Trufanov...
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Moscow has made diplomatic efforts to secure the release of individuals being held captive in Gaza.
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to the political wing of Hamas for releasing Russian-Israeli citizen Aleksandr Trufanov during a meeting with him in Moscow on Wednesday.
Trufanov was freed in February as part of a ceasefire agreement between Gaza and Israel, following diplomatic initiatives from Moscow. At that time, two other hostages were also released.
“Here we have to offer a word of gratitude to the leadership and to the political wing of Hamas for having met us halfway and carried out this humanitarian act,” Putin stated as he welcomed Trufanov and his surviving family members at the Kremlin.
Trufanov had been taken hostage on October 7, 2023, along with his grandmother Irena Tati, mother Elena, and fiancée Sapir Cohen. Tragically, his father, Vitaly Trufanov, was killed during the attack. The women were released as part of the Hamas-Israel truce in November 2023, while Aleksandr endured 498 days in captivity.
“The fact that you are now free is a result of Russia’s many years of stable relations with the Palestinian people, with the representatives of different organizations,” Putin remarked, adding that Russia will do everything necessary to ensure the release of those still in captivity.
In early February, a Hamas delegation visited Moscow, just under two weeks prior to Trufanov's release. Led by senior official Mousa Abu Marzouk, the group met with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov to discuss the ongoing ceasefire in Gaza and other humanitarian concerns.
This visit was part of Russia's continuous engagement with various parties involved in the Middle Eastern conflict.
The October 7 Hamas-led assault on Israel resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities, with around 250 individuals taken hostage. According to health authorities in Gaza, over 51,000 Palestinians have been killed amid Israel's military operations over the past 18 months.
On Wednesday, Israel proposed a 45-day truce in Gaza to facilitate hostage releases and potentially initiate indirect negotiations to end the war. Hamas has indicated that it is considering the proposal.
Emily Johnson for TROIB News
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to the political wing of Hamas for releasing Russian-Israeli citizen Aleksandr Trufanov during a meeting with him in Moscow on Wednesday.
Trufanov was freed in February as part of a ceasefire agreement between Gaza and Israel, following diplomatic initiatives from Moscow. At that time, two other hostages were also released.
“Here we have to offer a word of gratitude to the leadership and to the political wing of Hamas for having met us halfway and carried out this humanitarian act,” Putin stated as he welcomed Trufanov and his surviving family members at the Kremlin.
Trufanov had been taken hostage on October 7, 2023, along with his grandmother Irena Tati, mother Elena, and fiancée Sapir Cohen. Tragically, his father, Vitaly Trufanov, was killed during the attack. The women were released as part of the Hamas-Israel truce in November 2023, while Aleksandr endured 498 days in captivity.
“The fact that you are now free is a result of Russia’s many years of stable relations with the Palestinian people, with the representatives of different organizations,” Putin remarked, adding that Russia will do everything necessary to ensure the release of those still in captivity.
In early February, a Hamas delegation visited Moscow, just under two weeks prior to Trufanov's release. Led by senior official Mousa Abu Marzouk, the group met with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov to discuss the ongoing ceasefire in Gaza and other humanitarian concerns.
This visit was part of Russia's continuous engagement with various parties involved in the Middle Eastern conflict.
The October 7 Hamas-led assault on Israel resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities, with around 250 individuals taken hostage. According to health authorities in Gaza, over 51,000 Palestinians have been killed amid Israel's military operations over the past 18 months.
On Wednesday, Israel proposed a 45-day truce in Gaza to facilitate hostage releases and potentially initiate indirect negotiations to end the war. Hamas has indicated that it is considering the proposal.
Emily Johnson for TROIB News
