Russian nationals released by Hamas outside prisoner swap deal

A hostage with the Russian passport has been released as a result of direct agreements with Hamas, not under the prisoner swap deal, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.
"The efforts Russian diplomats are making in contacts with Hamas concerning the release of hostages are yielding results. Today, a holder of the Russian passport was released and handed over to the Red Cross. Russian diplomats will visit him as soon as it is possible," she wrote on her Telegram channel.

According to the spokeswoman, the released has become possible thanks to "direct agreements between Russian representatives and Hamas." "These efforts will continue," she added.