Trump envoy Steve Witkoff sparks outrage by calling Vladimir Putin a humanitarian

A diplomatic encounter between the White House and the Kremlin has triggered sharp political backlash in Washington after United States peace envoy Steve Witkoff described Russian President Vladimir Putin as a humanitarian during a face-to-face meeting.

The remarks came during Witkoff's visit to Constantine Palace in St. Petersburg following the release of Stephen Hubbard, an American citizen aged 74 who had been detained in Russia since 2022. Addressing the Russian leader directly, Witkoff praised Putin, noting that while the Russian president often speaks of Donald Trump being a humanitarian, Putin shares the same quality. The envoy added that he saluted, commended, and thanked the Russian head of state.

The comments quickly sparked criticism from lawmakers in Washington, including prominent members of the Republican Party. Texas Senator John Cornyn shared video footage of the exchange on social media platform X, describing Putin as a stone-cold killer. Fellow Republican Senator Thom Tillis condemned the envoy's language, calling it an embarrassing and outrageous statement.

The praise marks a dramatic contrast to previous American rhetoric, which saw former president Joe Biden label Putin a butcher, a pure thug, and a murderous dictator following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The International Criminal Court has also issued an arrest warrant for the Russian leader.

The encounter coincides with a series of policy shifts by the Trump administration aimed at re-engaging with Moscow ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. On October 9, Trump announced arrangements allowing Russian diesel supplies into American and international markets to counter high energy prices. A week later, on October 16, Trump waived portions of a Russia sanctions measure he had enacted less than a month earlier. The waivers are projected to yield between $300 million and $700 million in additional revenue for Moscow.

Trump has publicly defended Moscow's conduct, recently claiming that Russia has been fine regarding Ukraine. On the same day of those remarks, Ukrainian officials reported that a Russian drone attack killed six individuals, including two children. The administration has also dismissed allegations regarding Russian assistance to Iranian targeting efforts against American forces in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, Trump has intensified pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, insisting that Kyiv must agree to negotiations and suggesting the Ukrainian leader should resign. Trump argued on Tuesday that the United States had received nothing in return for the vast amounts of aid provided to Kyiv, reiterating his determination to secure a rapid settlement to the conflict.