Release of Elizabeth Tulkov After 900 Days in Captivity

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump announced that Elizabeth Tulkov, a Princeton graduate student, has been released after being held captive for over 900 days. She is currently at the US embassy in Baghdad.

Tulkov was taken in Baghdad during a 2023 research trip and was held by the Iran-backed militia, Kataib Hezbollah. Her release followed extensive negotiations with US authorities, as reported by the Associated Press. The Iraqi Prime Minister also confirmed her release, praising his security forces for the effort.

In his statement, Trump expressed relief, stating, “I am happy to report that Elizabeth Tulkov, a Princeton student, has just been released by Kataib Hezbollah, after being tortured for months before arriving safely at the US Embassy in Iraq.” He reflects on the pursuit of justice in his message.

Tulkov disappeared in March 2023 during her doctoral research, later reappearing in hostage videos broadcasted on Iraqi television in November. Her family expressed immense joy at her release and thanked Trump and hostage envoy Adam Berler for their efforts.

Emma Tulkov, Elizabeth’s sister, shared on social media, “I can’t wait to meet Elizabeth and give her all the love she’s been waiting to share for 903 days. I am very grateful to President Trump and his special envoy, Adam Berler.” This heartfelt message captures the family’s relief and gratitude.

There were no US military operations linked to the handover, and the specific conditions surrounding her release remain unclear. Earlier reports indicated that Berler had traveled to Baghdad this year to advocate for Tulkov’s freedom.

Israeli officials had claimed for some time that she was in the custody of Kataib Hezbollah, although the group itself had not publicly acknowledged responsibility for her kidnapping. Tulkov holds dual Israeli and Russian citizenship and was pursuing a PhD at Princeton at the time of her abduction.