Downing Street rejects Witkoff's 'humanitarian' label for Putin

Downing Street has rejected Donald Trump’s negotiator Steve Witkoff’s description of Vladimir Putin as a “humanitarian,” stating the Russian president has killed thousands of innocent Ukrainians and his own people. Witkoff made the remarks after meeting Putin in St Petersburg on Wednesday. A Downing Street spokesperson said the characterization is not recognized, citing Putin’s role in starving children, targeting critical infrastructure, and sending Russians to die on the frontline. The spokesperson referenced Ukraine’s foreign minister, who said Kyiv residents heard what Russian humanitarianism sounds like during a night of attacks. Witkoff’s meeting led Russia to agree in principle to resume peace talks with Ukraine and the US, with Trump suggesting the sides are close to ending the war. However, Russia continued missile and drone strikes, including on Kharkiv, during the talks.