Putin Claims Progress in Talks With Hamas on Hostage Release Efforts

By Yoni Weiss

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Russia has achieved “certain results” in its ongoing discussions with the political wing of Hamas, focusing on the release of hostages held in Gaza.

During a meeting with leaders of the Russian Jewish community, including Russia’s Chief Rabbi Rav Berel Lazar and the head of the Federation of Jewish Communities Alexander Boroda, Putin disclosed that the Russian Foreign Ministry is actively working to secure the release of Russian nationals and citizens from other countries. Notably, this effort includes Holocaust survivors and their families, as emphasized by the Russian President.

Putin stated that Russia has been actively engaged in assisting hostages since the escalation of the situation in the Middle East. The Foreign Ministry’s approach involves working through the political wing of Hamas, and Putin expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far. He acknowledged that there are already certain results, but emphasized the importance of continued efforts.

The reference to “certain results” may allude to the recent release of Roni Krivoi, a dual Russian-Israeli national, on Nov. 24. Hamas characterized this release as a gesture of “appreciation” to Putin. During a temporary truce between Israel and Hamas in November, two more Russian hostages were released, accompanied by a similar comment from a Hamas official.

Moscow does not officially designate Hamas as a terrorist organization, and has said the violence in the Middle East is a reflection of U.S. policy failures in the region.