Trump Envoy Grilled for Calling Putin a ‘Humanitarian’ Amid War in Ukraine
US special envoy Steve Witkoff sparked criticism from Republican lawmakers after calling Vladimir Putin a “humanitarian” during talks in St. Petersburg. Senator Thom Tillis sharply rebuked the envoy, while President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance defended his remarks following the release of an American detainee.
US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff faced sharp criticism from Republican lawmakers after praising Russian President Vladimir Putin as a "humanitarian" during a meeting in St. Petersburg. The remarks came amid Russia's ongoing attacks on Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure, as Putin had recently released American citizen Stephen Hubbard, who had been imprisoned in Russia for over four years.
Witkoff's praise drew immediate condemnation, with Republican Senators Thom Tillis and John Cornyn dismissing the term as inappropriate given Russia's actions in Ukraine. Trump, while acknowledging the release of Hubbard, declined to comment further on Witkoff's statements. Vice President Kamala Harris defended Witkoff, stating that his comments were part of the diplomatic process to secure an American hostage's release.
The controversy unfolded as US and Russian leaders held talks in Oslo, focusing on security guarantees and possible ceasefire arrangements.
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- Trump envoy criticised for calling Putin ‘humanitarian’ freemalaysiatoday.com
