Trump envoy calls Putin 'humanitarian' as missiles hit Kyiv, sparking bipartisan backlash

US special envoy Steve Witkoff sparked bipartisan criticism by calling Russian President Vladimir Putin a "humanitarian" during a St. Petersburg visit, as Russian missile strikes hit Kyiv overnight, injuring six people. Republican Senator Thom Tillis challenged Witkoff's description, while President Donald Trump declined to endorse or reject it. Witkoff's remarks followed Russia's release of American citizen Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old former teacher detained over four years on mercenary charges he denied. Trump said no concessions were given for the release, though Vice President JD Vance defended Witkoff's praise. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said Moscow was ready to resume trilateral talks in mid-November but found proposals lacking "substance." The Kyiv attack involved at least 13 explosions in under eight minutes, damaging residential buildings and other facilities. Separately, the Wall Street Journal reported Elon Musk ordered a slowdown of Starlink access for Ukraine's military, a decision Secretary of State Marco Rubio said was SpaceX's prerogative.