BREAKING: President Trump Announces Release of Israeli-Russian Hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on his social media account that Israeli-Russian academic Elizabeth Tsurkov has been released from captivity in Iraq. Tsurkov, a doctoral student at Princeton University, was held by the Iran-backed militia Kata'ib Hezbollah since March 2023. In his post, Trump stated, "I am happy to report that Elizabeth Tsurkov... has just been freed... and is now safely at the American Embassy in Iraq after being tortured for many months. I will always fight for justice, and I will never give up." He also used the opportunity to call on Hamas to "release the hostages, now!"

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani also confirmed her release, stating that it came after months of extensive efforts by Iraqi security forces. The Prime Minister referred to Tsurkov as a Russian citizen.

Elizabeth Tsurkov, a dual Israeli-Russian national, is a well-regarded expert on Syria, ISIS, and Middle Eastern affairs. She was in Iraq on a research trip for her Ph.D. from Princeton University when she was abducted. In November 2024, a video of a seemingly coerced confession was released, in which she claimed to have worked for the Israeli Mossad and the CIA. Both Israel and her family denied these claims, and Princeton University confirmed she was in Iraq for academic research.

Tsurkov's family expressed immense joy and gratitude following the news of her release. Her sister, Emma Tsurkov, posted a heartfelt message, thanking President Trump and his special envoy, Adam Boehler. Emma had previously stated in an interview that the new Trump administration's willingness to apply political pressure on Iraq had given her hope, a stark contrast to what she described as the previous administration's more passive approach.

Tsurkov's release followed a period of intense and complex diplomatic and security negotiations. Iraqi sources had indicated a non-public understanding between Iraq and the United States was in the works, aimed at easing international pressure on the Iraqi government. Reports had previously suggested various potential deals, including a prisoner exchange involving an Iranian national and other individuals accused of attacking American interests, as well as a separate proposal to exchange her for seven Hezbollah members held in Israel. While a senior U.S. official had previously denied any breakthrough, the final release appears to have been the culmination of these sustained efforts.