UK rejects Witkoff’s characterization of Putin as “humanitarian”
The UK rejected the characterization of Vladimir Putin as a "humanitarian" given by U.S. President Donald Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkof during a meeting in St. Petersburg on Wednesday, October 21.
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff's recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin sparked outrage among American lawmakers. Witkoff described Putin as a "humanitarian" during the October 21 talks in St. Petersburg, a remark that drew criticism from fellow Republicans such as Joni Ernst, Donald Trump, JD Vance, Thom Tillis, and John Cornyn, among others.
The controversy intensified with Republican senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis questioning the use of the term "humanitarian" and wondering what children kidnapped or murdered by Putin would think of such a statement. Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen called Putin a "war criminal" and condemned the comment as "disgusting and shameful."
Despite the backlash, Witkoff's diplomatic mission to secure the release of an American hostage remains a priority, with Trump and Vance defending his actions.
Written by urgent.news from Meduza (English)'s reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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