Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, has said that Alexander Trufanov’s release became possible as a “result of targeted actions and persistent Russian diplomacy, including intensive contacts with the political leadership of Hamas”, Al Jazeera reports.

She said Moscow was grateful to the Palestinian side, as well as mediators Qatar and Egypt.

She noted that three Russian citizens had been released during the last ceasefire in November 2023 and said they were freed in an “exceptional manner, without any conditions or demands for reciprocal steps from the Israeli side”.

Zakharova added that Russia intends to “vigorously seek the speedy return” of another Russian remaining in Gaza, whom she identified as M Kharkin.