Trump envoy criticised for calling Putin ‘humanitarian’
Steve Witkoff’s comment came as US president Donald Trump’s recent pivot away from Ukraine towards Russia faced growing scrutiny.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff received backlash for referring to Russian leader Vladimir Putin as a "humanitarian" during his meeting in Saint Petersburg. The meeting aimed to secure the release of American citizen Stephen Hubbard, who had been detained for years following his arrest in Ukraine. Witkoff's comments came as Trump's current alignment with Putin, who started the largest European war since World War II, has drawn increasing criticism.
Republican Senator Thom Tillis expressed confusion, questioning the definition of "humanitarian." Trump downplayed Witkoff's remarks, stating they were made for the purpose of releasing Hubbard. US Vice-President Kamala Harris defended Witkoff's actions, praising him as a diplomat whose job is to achieve his goals.
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- Trump Envoy Grilled for Calling Putin a ‘Humanitarian’ Amid War in Ukraine kyivpost.com
- Trump envoy criticised for calling Putin ‘humanitarian’ freemalaysiatoday.com
