Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke on the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first time since the raging war in Gaza broke out on October 7.

During the call on Sunday, Netanyahu appreciated the Russian effort to release an Israeli-Russian citizen held by the Hamas, reaffirming that the Jewish nation will use all means to free all hostages from the Gaza Strip, Xinhua news agency quoted a statement released by te Prime Minister’s Office.

He also requested that Russia apply pressure on the Red Cross regarding visits and essential medicines for hostages held in Gaza, according to the statement.