Former US President Donald Trump embraced freed Russian hostage of Hamas, Andrey Kozlov, during the Israel-American Council (IAC) summit in Washington.
“Andrey was rescued by Israeli armed forces after eight months of horrific captivity,” Trump said during his speech to IAC participants, which was broadcast on YouTube.
The former president then invited Kozlov to join him on stage, saying, “He has more courage than I do.”
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After Kozlov came on stage, Trump hugged him and shook his hand, also chatting with him briefly off-mic.
“I’m a bit embarrassed. I’m standing close to Trump, and I’m embarrassed. What can I say? A huge thank you for this care, and I truly appreciate it infinitely,” the Russian said from the stage before returning to the hall.
The former president saw Kozlov off, noting that he looked well.
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The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on June 8 that four Israeli hostages, kidnapped by Hamas radicals on October 7, 2023, were found and rescued during a complex and large-scale operation involving hundreds of soldiers in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza Strip.
The operation also resulted in the liberation of Russian Andrey Kozlov, who was discovered in a house along with Israeli hostages Meir Almog and Shlomi Ziv. After their release, all three underwent medical examinations at the “Shiba” hospital for several days.
