Trump envoy faces backlash for calling Putin 'humanitarian'

hindustantimes.com —

President Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff faced criticism Wednesday for calling Vladimir Putin a "humanitarian" during a meeting in Saint Petersburg to secure the release of an American citizen detained in Ukraine. Witkoff made the remarks while thanking Putin for releasing Stephen Hubbard, who was arrested in Ukraine and held for years. The Kremlin said Russia was ready in principle to rejoin three-way talks with Ukraine and the US to end the war. Republican Senator Thom Tillis reacted with astonishment, while Vice President JD Vance defended Witkoff as a diplomat focused on getting the job done. Trump brushed off the comments, noting they were made for the purpose of securing Hubbard's release.


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