Putin Thanks Hamas for Hostage Release, Emphasizes Russia's Middle East Ties

Hostage Release and Putin's Remarks

• 🇷🇺 President Vladimir Putin met with Alexander Troufanov, a Russian citizen freed after 498 days in captivity by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
• 🤝 Putin credited Russia's stable, long-standing relationships with the Palestinian people and various organizations for facilitating the release.
• 🗣️ He controversially urged Troufanov to "thank Hamas" for what he termed a humanitarian act, highlighting Russia's role as a mediator.

Troufanov's Experience and Gratitude

• 💔 Troufanov described his captivity as a "great tragedy" and expressed gratitude for his release.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Troufanov was accompanied by his mother and fiancée during the meeting at the Kremlin.
• 🌍 He acknowledged the difficulty of returning to normal life after his ordeal and expressed empathy for other hostages still held in Gaza, considering them like brothers.