US envoy's praise of Putin as 'humanitarian' draws backlash

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff praised Russian President Vladimir Putin as "humanitarian" during talks in St. Petersburg on Wednesday, sparking criticism from U.S. officials and social media users. Witkoff made the remarks while thanking Putin for releasing American Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old imprisoned in Russia since 2022 on mercenary charges. The comments drew rebukes from Republican Senator Thom Tillis and former U.S. ambassador Michael McFaul. Vice President J.D. Vance defended Witkoff, citing the prisoner release. The three-hour meeting followed Witkoff's Tuesday talks in Oslo with Ukrainian and Finnish leaders. Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov said new trilateral negotiations may occur in Abu Dhabi around mid-November.