U.S. envoy Witkoff calls Putin a “humanitarian,” drawing criticism from Republicans too

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff met Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg on October 21 to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. After Witkoff described Putin as a “humanitarian,” U.S. politicians, including members of President Donald Trump's own Republican Party, sharply criticized the remark. The administration is standing by its envoy.

What happened at the meeting

At the start of the talks, Putin announced that Russia had freed Stephen Hubbard, a U.S. citizen who had been serving a prison sentence on mercenary charges linked to his service with Ukraine's territorial defense forces. Addressing Putin, Witkoff noted that Putin often speaks of Trump as a humanitarian, and added: “You are a humanitarian also, sir, and I salute that.” He also offered praise and thanks.

Criticism from U.S. politicians

Republican Senator Joni Ernst said Putin is not a friend of the United States and is far from a humanitarian, arguing that his attacks on Ukrainian civilians show disregard for human life. In her view, pressure, not appeasement, will end the war. Republican Representative Don Bacon called the remark another embarrassment. Republican Senator Thom Tillis urged Witkoff to go to Ukraine and ask families whose children Putin, in Tillis's words, kidnapped and murdered. Republican Senator John Cornyn called Putin a stone cold killer. Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen described Putin as a war criminal and murderous dictator, and called Witkoff's comments disgusting and shameful.

Response from Trump and Vance

Vice President JD Vance said he agreed with saying something nice to a person who had just released an American hostage. He stressed that Witkoff is a diplomat, and that what matters more to him is that an American is returning home to his family. Trump said that for that particular purpose, securing the man's release, one has to say it, but that he personally would not say anything either way.