US Special Envoy Witkoff Called Putin a 'Humanitarian' — Congress Erupted in Criticism

US President's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in St. Petersburg on October 21 and held talks with Vladimir Putin on ending the war. At the start of the meeting, Putin announced the release of American Stephen Hubbard, who had served a sentence in Russia for fighting on the side of the Ukrainian armed forces. Witkoff in response called Putin a 'humanitarian,' which drew sharp criticism in Congress, including from Republicans. Trump and Vice President Vance defended Witkoff.

Sevara AzamovaFirst published on tafs uz 2 min read
US Special Envoy Witkoff Called Putin a 'Humanitarian' — Congress Erupted in Criticism

The key facts

  • On October 21, Witkoff met with Putin in St. Petersburg for talks on ending the war
  • Putin released American Stephen Hubbard, who had fought on Ukraine's side
  • Witkoff called Putin a 'humanitarian'; Republican and Democratic senators sharply criticized the statement, while Trump and Vance defended Witkoff

Meeting in St. Petersburg and the Release of an American

US President's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in St. Petersburg on October 21 and held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on ending the war. At the start of the meeting, Putin announced that he had released US citizen Stephen Hubbard, who had been serving a sentence in Russia for fighting on the side of the Ukrainian armed forces.

Witkoff's Words About Putin's 'Humanitarianism'

In response, Witkoff addressed Putin: 'You talk a lot about President Trump's humanitarianism. You are a humanitarian yourself, sir, and I give you credit for that.' According to Kun.uz, this statement displeased many high-ranking politicians in the US, including Donald Trump's allies.

Criticism in Congress

Republican Senator Joni Ernst said that Putin 'is no friend of ours and certainly no humanitarian,' and that his relentless strikes on Ukraine's civilian population show complete indifference to human life. According to her, flattery will not stop the war — that can only be achieved through pressure. Republican Congressman Don Bacon called the incident 'yet another Witkoff embarrassment.' Senator Thom Tillis asked: 'What is this, Steve? Look up the meaning of the word humanitarian. What a shameful and disgusting comment,' adding that Witkoff should have asked the opinion of the families of children whom, in his words, Putin kidnapped and killed. Senator John Cornyn stated that Putin is not a humanitarian but a 'heartless murderer.'

Democrats' Reaction and Trump's Defense of Witkoff

Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen called Putin a war criminal and a dictator who 'killed Ukrainians by the thousands with unspeakable cruelty,' and Witkoff's words disgusting and shameful. Meanwhile, Trump himself and US Vice President Vance came to Witkoff's defense.

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