Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed gratitude to the Palestinian group Hamas for facilitating the release of three Russian hostages who were held captive in Gaza for over a year. The hostages, including Alexander Trufanov, his mother Elena Trufanova, and his fiancée Sapir Cohen, were freed as part of a ceasefire agreement in February 2025. The announcement was made during a meeting at the Kremlin on April 16, where Putin personally welcomed the freed individuals.
The Trufanov family was abducted during the October 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages being taken. Tragically, Alexander’s father, Vitaly Trufanov, was killed during the assault. While Elena and Sapir were released in a hostage exchange 53 days after their capture, Alexander remained in captivity for 498 days before his release.
During the Kremlin meeting, Putin highlighted Russia’s longstanding diplomatic ties with Palestinian organizations, emphasizing that these relationships played a crucial role in securing the hostages’ freedom. He extended formal thanks to Hamas’s political leadership for their cooperation in what he described as a “humanitarian act.”
The Russian President also pledged continued efforts to secure the release of other hostages still held in Gaza. The meeting was attended by prominent figures from Russia’s Jewish community, including Chief Rabbi Berl Lazar, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
This development reflects Russia’s active engagement in Middle Eastern diplomacy and its commitment to protecting its citizens abroad. The release of the hostages marks a rare moment of collaboration amidst ongoing regional tensions.
