On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Russian nationals who were recently freed after being held hostage by the militant group Hamas during the October 2023 attacks on Israel. Putin attributed their release to Moscow’s long-standing and stable ties with Palestinian groups, including Hamas.
During the meeting at the Kremlin, Putin expressed gratitude to Hamas for their role in facilitating the release, calling it a humanitarian gesture. “The fact that you are now free is a result of Russia’s many years of stable relations with the Palestinian people,” Putin said, referring to former hostage Alexander Trufanov and his family members.
Trufanov, who was freed after nearly 500 days in captivity as part of ceasefire negotiations, thanked Putin for his efforts in securing his release. He also voiced hope for the freedom of all remaining hostages, whom he described as “like brothers.” Trufanov’s father was killed in the attacks, but his mother, fiancée, and grandmother were among those released in late 2023.
Putin reassured the hostages and their families that Russia would continue to work to ensure the release of other captives. Russia has maintained a policy of fostering positive relations with both Israel and Palestinian factions, advocating for a two-state solution as the foundation for peace in the Middle East.
