Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed a group of Hamas-held hostages, including Sasha Troufanov—freed as part of the latest agreement—at the Kremlin on Wednesday, marking the first time such a meeting took place there.
Joining him at the event were Troufanov’s mother, Yelena, and his partner, Sapir Cohen. Both women had been released earlier as part of a prior arrangement.
At the gathering, Putin expressed his appreciation to the political division of Hamas for their part in enabling Troufanov’s release, stating, “We must thank the political wing of Hamas for their cooperation with us in carrying out this humanitarian act.”
He then turned to Troufanov with words of encouragement: “I want to wish you well,” adding, “Russia will do everything to ensure the release of all the people who were in the conditions you endured for so long.”
The meeting was also attended by Rabbi Berel Lazar, the Chief Rabbi of Russia.
Moscow has been actively working over the past year to secure Troufanov’s freedom, largely because of his Russian nationality. Putin’s diplomatic leverage in these efforts has been strengthened by his close partnerships with nations such as Iran, with whom he also maintains military cooperation.
{Matzav.com}