Russian President Vladimir Putin met with freed hostage Sasha Troufanov at the Kremlin in Moscow, thanking Hamas leaders for their release. Putin expressed gratitude to the political wing of Hamas for their cooperation and called for more efforts to free those still in captivity. The meeting was attended by the Chief Rabbi of Russia and the President of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia. Russia has ties to key players in the Middle East, including Israel, Iran, Lebanon, the Palestinian Authority, and Hamas.