Trump says Ukraine peace deal closer after Putin releases American detainee

President Donald Trump said Wednesday that a peace deal to end Russia's war in Ukraine may be closer than ever, following the release of an American detainee by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump told reporters he had discussed settling the conflict with Putin, saying the two sides might be "closer than we've been," though previous negotiations and a summit in Alaska have failed to produce an agreement. The remarks came as US envoy Steve Witkoff faced backlash for calling Putin a "humanitarian" during a meeting in Saint Petersburg, where he secured the release of detained American Stephen Hubbard. The Kremlin signaled readiness to resume three-way talks involving Moscow, Kyiv and Washington, but Witkoff's comments drew criticism from Republicans including Senator Thom Tillis. Trump and Vice President JD Vance defended Witkoff, saying his conciliatory language was necessary to achieve the release of an American hostage.