Hamas has indicated that they will soon release Russian citizen Alexander Troufanov as part of a deal with Israel. Troufanov will be released despite being a military service person, in response to Russia's position on the Palestinian issue. The fate of Maxim Herkin, another Russian hostage, will be determined in the second phase of the agreement. Negotiations for the second phase are set to begin on Monday with the assistance of US, Egyptian, and Qatari mediation. Troufanov was abducted along with his family and partner and has spent two birthdays in captivity.