Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with Alexander Trufanov, a Russian national seized by militant group Hamas in October 2023 and freed from captivity in the Gaza strip, and other former hostages – at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia April 16, 2025. | Photo Credit: Reuters

Putin thanks Hamas for releasing Russian hostages from Gaza in April 2025. Read the full story on AMERICA NEWS WORLD (ANW) for details. Moscow, April 17, 2025 – Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly thanked the Palestinian group Hamas for releasing three Russian nationals held hostage in Gaza since the October 2023 attack on Israel. The gesture, described as a “humanitarian act” by Putin, marks a significant moment in Russia’s complex relationship with Palestinian organizations. This story, covered extensively by AMERICA NEWS WORLD (ANW), dives into the details of the release, its implications, and the broader context of the Israel-Palestine conflict.

A Warm Welcome at the Kremlin

On the night of April 16, 2025, Putin welcomed Alexander Trufanov, a Russian-Israeli citizen, along with two family members, to the Kremlin. Trufanov, who spent nearly 500 days in captivity, was freed in February 2025 as part of a ceasefire deal. “The fact that you are now free is a result of Russia’s many years of stable relations with the Palestinian people,” Putin said, according to Interfax. He emphasized Russia’s diplomatic ties with Palestinian groups, including Hamas, as key to securing the release.

Moreover, Putin expressed gratitude directly to Hamas’s political wing. “Here we have to offer a word of gratitude to the leadership of Hamas for carrying out this humanitarian act,” he stated. The meeting was attended by prominent Russian Jewish leaders, including Chief Rabbi Berl Lazer, highlighting the significance of the event.

The Hostage Crisis: A Timeline

The October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israel resulted in 1,200 deaths and the abduction of 251 individuals, including Alexander Trufanov, his mother Elena Trufanova, grandmother Irina Tatti, and fiancée Sapir Cohen. Tragically, Vitaly Trufanov, the head of the family, was killed during the attack. Elena, Irina, and Cohen were released after 53 days in a hostage exchange, while Alexander remained in captivity until February 2025.

To clarify, the release of Alexander Trufanov came after intense negotiations, facilitated by Russia’s longstanding ties with Palestinian groups. According to AMERICA NEWS WORLD (ANW), these talks were part of broader ceasefire discussions that also involved Israel and mediators like Qatar. The ceasefire, though fragile, allowed for the release of several hostages, including the Russian nationals.

Data Visualization: Hostage Releases in Gaza (2023–2025)

Below is a graph illustrating the number of hostages released from Gaza since October 2023, based on available data from Reuters and The Times of Israel. The graph is optimized fo
Source: Reuters, The Times of Israel

• October 2023: 251 hostages taken
• November 2023: 50 hostages released in initial exchange
• February 2025: 10 hostages, including Alexander Trufanov, freed
• Remaining Hostages (April 2025): 59

Note: The graph uses a responsive design, ensuring readability on mobile devices with a minimum width of 300px and scalable fonts for desktops.

Why Did Putin Thank Hamas?

Putin’s decision to thank Hamas has sparked debate globally. For instance, Russia’s relationship with Palestinian groups dates back decades, rooted in Soviet-era support for liberation movements. Unlike Western nations, which designate Hamas as a terrorist organization, Russia maintains diplomatic channels with the group. This approach, Putin argued, enabled the release of Russian citizens.

However, the move has drawn criticism. Some Israeli officials, as reported by The Times of Israel, expressed discomfort with Putin’s praise for Hamas, given the group’s role in the October 2023 attack. The attack not only killed 1,200 people but also triggered Israel’s retaliatory campaign, which has resulted in over 50,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza health officials.

On the other hand, Putin’s remarks align with Russia’s broader foreign policy. By maintaining ties with both Israel and Palestinian groups, Russia positions itself as a mediator in the Middle East. “We will do everything possible to free those still in captivity,” Putin promised, signaling ongoing efforts to secure the release of remaining hostages, including Maxim Herkin, a dual Russian-Israeli citizen.

The Human Story Behind the Headlines

Alexander Trufanov’s ordeal is a stark reminder of the human toll of the Israel-Palestine conflict. “I saw the other hostages as brothers,” Trufanov said during the Kremlin meeting, expressing hope for their release. His 500 days in captivity, marked by uncertainty and fear, ended thanks to diplomatic efforts that many families still await.

Similarly, the stories of Elena Trufanova, Irina Tatti, and Sapir Cohen highlight the emotional weight of reunions after captivity. Their release in November 2023 brought relief, but the loss of Vitaly Trufanov remains a painful memory. “We are grateful to President Putin for his efforts,” Elena said, according to Interfax.

Global Reactions and Implications

The news of Putin thanking Hamas has reverberated across continents. In the USA, analysts on platforms like Quora have debated Russia’s role in the Middle East, with some questioning whether Putin’s actions undermine Western efforts to isolate Hamas. In India, where interest in global geopolitics is high, readers on AMERICA NEWS WORLD (ANW) have engaged with the story, drawn by its implications for international diplomacy.

Furthermore, the event underscores the challenges of securing lasting peace in Gaza. Israel’s recent proposal for a 45-day truce, reported by Reuters, aims to facilitate further hostage releases but faces hurdles. Hamas has rejected conditions like disarmament, and ongoing military operations in Gaza and Lebanon complicate negotiations.

Table: Key Developments in Gaza Hostage Crisis (2023–2025)

Note: This table is optimized for mobile and desktop, with a clean, accessible design using HTML5 and CSS3.