Russian President Vladimir Putin met on Wednesday at the Kremlin with Alexander (Sasha) Trufanov, a Russian-Israeli man who was held hostage by Hamas for 498 days before his release in February 2025. During the meeting, Putin expressed gratitude to the political leadership of Hamas for cooperating with Russia and carrying out what he described as a “humanitarian act” in releasing Trufanov and other Russian captives. Putin emphasized that Russia’s longstanding and stable relations with the Palestinian people and various organizations were instrumental in securing the freedom of the hostages.
Trufanov, along with his mother Elena Trufanova and partner Sapir Cohen—both also former captives—attended the meeting. Putin vowed to do everything possible to ensure the release of other hostages still held in Gaza, acknowledging the emotional toll on Trufanov, who said he considers those still captive as “brothers” and finds it difficult to return to normal life while they remain imprisoned.
The meeting was attended by Russia’s Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar and the President of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia, Alexander Boroda. Putin’s office highlighted Russia’s efforts to maintain good relations with all parties involved in the Middle East conflict, stressing that a peaceful resolution can only be achieved through a two-state solution.
Trufanov and his family were abducted during the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the death of his father, Vitaly Trufanov. His mother, fiancée, and grandmother were released earlier in 2023 during a ceasefire, with Trufanov’s release coming as part of a multi-phase truce agreement mediated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt.
Putin’s meeting and statements underscore Russia’s diplomatic role and ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages, including other Russian-Israeli citizens still held captive by militant groups in Gaza.
