US envoy sparks bipartisan backlash for calling Putin a 'humanist'
US envoy Steve Witkoff sparked bipartisan criticism after calling Russian President Vladimir Putin a "humanist" following the release of American teacher Stephen Hubbard on October 21. Witkoff praised Putin during a meeting after the 74-year-old's release from a 2022 mercenary sentence. Republican senators including Thom Tillis and Joni Ernst condemned the remark, citing Putin's ICC warrant for war crimes and attacks on Ukrainian civilians. The comment reflects the Trump administration's strategy of offering incentives to Russia in Ukraine negotiations. Witkoff has previously expressed admiration for Putin, with European spies nicknaming him "Philby the cretin." Trump declined to comment on the characterization.