Russian President Vladimir Putin met on Thursday with Russia’s Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar and, for the first time, addressed the release of hostage Sasha Tropunov from captivity.
"I would like to ask you to convey my best wishes to Alexander (Sasha) Tropunov, our citizen, and to his loved ones on his release from captivity," Putin told the rabbi.
The Russian president noted that efforts to secure Tropunov’s release "were not easy" and added, "Thank God he is home, surrounded by his loved ones."
Putin claimed that Tropunov’s return was, in part, "thanks to the Russian Federation’s consistent policy of stabilizing the Middle East, which has fostered trust among many partners in the region."