Putin meets in Kremlin with three hostages released by Hamas, thanks group's leadership

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday met with three former hostages held by Hamas, who were released in late 2023 and February of this year.

Speaking to Alexander Trufanov, who had been held by Hamas in Gaza for 498 days, Putin pledged to continue efforts to secure the release of remaining hostages.

Putin also acknowledged "years of stable relations" with Palestinian representatives as pivotal in facilitating the release of the hostages, and extended gratitude to Hamas for what he termed a "humanitarian act."

Trufanov, whose father was killed during the October 2023 Hamas attack, appealed to Putin to persist in efforts to free others still in captivity.