Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the phone Tuesday ahead of Victory in Europe Day, the two leaders said, in a call that covered “regional developments” and celebrated the role of the Soviet Union in defeating Nazi Germany in the Second World War.

Netanyahu also thanked the Russian leader for his help in securing the release of Sasha Troufanov from captivity in Gaza in February, The Times of Israel has learned. He also provided Putin with an overview of Israel’s ongoing efforts to release the remaining hostages.

During the call, the two leaders “exchanged warm greetings on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II,” the Israeli readout of the call said.

Israel, like Russia and some former Soviet states, marks VE Day on May 9, while most European countries commemorate it a day prior.

“The prime minister emphasized the decisive contribution of the Red Army to the victory over the Nazis, and emphasized the importance of the many Jewish commanders and fighters in the war,” the readout added.

The Russian readout of the call, meanwhile, highlighted Putin’s denunciation of attempts to “revise” World War II history.

“It was noted that the two countries were determined to defend the truth about the events of World War II, to counter attempts to revise its outcome and falsify history,” the Kremlin said.

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© The Times of Israel