April 17, 2025 | Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his gratitude to the Palestinian group Hamas for the release of Russian hostages amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In a statement during a public address, Putin credited the safe return of the hostages to Russia’s longstanding diplomatic ties with the Palestinian people.
While the Kremlin has not disclosed the number of Russians released, sources confirmed that several citizens were handed over to the International Red Cross before being transferred to Russian custody.
Russia’s open dialogue with both Israeli authorities and Palestinian factions has enabled it to play a quiet but effective diplomatic role in the crisis. Unlike many Western countries, Russia does not designate Hamas as a terrorist organization and continues to engage with the group politically.