Putin thanks Hamas for launch of Russian hostages

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a gathering with Alexander Trufanov, a Russian nationwide seized by militant group Hamas in October 2023 and free of captivity within the Gaza strip, and different former hostages – on the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia April 16, 2025.
| Photograph Credit score: Reuters

President Vladimir Putin has thanked Palestinian group Hamas for releasing three Russian hostages captivated in the course of the October 2023 assault on Israel.

Mr. Putin welcomed Russian citizen Alexander Trufanov and two of his relations launched from Gaza captivity on the Kremlin late on Wednesday night time, Interfax company stated. Trufanov was launched this February.

“The truth that you are actually free is a results of Russia’s a few years of steady relations with the Palestinian folks, with the representatives of various organisations,” Mr. Putin was quoted as saying by Interfax.

“Right here we now have to supply a phrase of gratitude to the management and to the political wing of Hamas for a gesture made to us in finishing up this humanitarian act,” Mr. Putin stated on the assembly with freed hostages at which outstanding Russian Jewish leaders, together with Chief Rabbi Berl Lazer, had been additionally current.

Not less than 1,200 folks had been killed and 251 had been taken as hostages on October 7, 2023 when Hamas attacked Israel. Greater than 50,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s retaliatory assaults since then.

Trufanov, his mom Elena Trufanova, grandmother Irina Tatti, and fiancee Sapir Cohen had been kidnapped and brought to the Gaza Strip, Interfax stated, including, the pinnacle of the household, Vitaly Trufanov, was killed within the assault.

Elena, Irina, and Cohen had been launched in a hostage trade 53 days later.

Alexander Trufanov spent about 500 days in captivity and was launched on February 15, 2025 as a part of a ceasefire deal, it added.

Many settlers have retained Russian citizenship in Israel.

Mr. Putin promised to help within the launch of remaining hostages.