The Russian President praises Hamas for its treatment of a Russian prisoner: It dealt humanely
Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Hamas carried out a “humanitarian act” by releasing a Russian citizen who was among the prisoners it held in the Gaza Strip following Operation Protective Edge in 2023.
Putin’s remarks came during his meeting with his compatriot Alexander Trufanov and his family on Wednesday.
Putin considered that the strong relations between Russia and the Palestinian people contributed to Trufanov’s release.
Expressing his gratitude to Hamas, Putin added, “I believe we must express our gratitude to the political leadership of Hamas for responding to our appeal and carrying out this humanitarian act” (referring to the release of his compatriot Alexander Trufanov).
While Putin didn’t offer any political assessment of the overall situation in the region during his meeting with Trufanov on Wednesday evening, he indicated that Moscow “will do its utmost to continue to replicate these successes”.
Putin was talking about the process of releasing the remaining prisoners held by Hamas, the majority of whom are Israelis.
Alexander Trufanov was released last February, after nearly 500 days of detention by Hamas in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023.
