Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday welcomed Russian nationals recently released from captivity in Gaza, following their abduction during Hamas’ October 2023 attacks on Israel.
During a televised meeting, Putin acknowledged that the successful release was made possible by Russia’s enduring diplomatic ties with the Palestinian people and various factions, including Hamas.
“The fact that you are now free is a result of Russia’s many years of stable relations with the Palestinian people and with representatives of different organisations,” Putin stated. “We are grateful to the leadership and the political wing of Hamas for this humanitarian gesture.”
Among those freed was Alexey Trufanov, who had been held captive for nearly 500 days before his release in February, during negotiations that contributed to a temporary ceasefire in the region.
Putin emphasized that Russia had exhausted all diplomatic channels to secure Trufanov’s release and pledged continued efforts to ensure other captives are freed.
In an emotional moment, Trufanov expressed heartfelt gratitude to President Putin for his intervention. “I hope all the remaining hostages, whom I consider my brothers, are also released soon,” he said.
Putin also presented flowers to Trufanov’s mother, Elena, and his fiancée, Sapir Cohen, both of whom were reportedly among the approximately 250 individuals taken hostage during the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023.
Russia has maintained a diplomatic balancing act throughout the Israel-Hamas conflict, engaging with both sides while reaffirming its support for a two-state solution as the only viable path to lasting peace in the Middle East.
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