World · North America · 4 hrs ago
Trump envoy calls Putin a humanitarian after release of US prisoner
US envoy Steve Witkoff called Russian President Vladimir Putin a humanitarian during a meeting in St Petersburg.
The praise came after Russia freed Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old American held since 2022.
Republican senators condemned Witkoff’s remarks, with one calling Putin a “stone-cold killer.”
The comments come as President Donald Trump has eased some Russia sanctions and backed a deal to bring Russian diesel into US and global markets.
The waivers are expected to bring Russia an estimated $300 million to $700 million in extra revenue, much of it likely to support its war against Ukraine.
Trump says it is time for a deal to end the war, while continuing to criticize Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
US envoy Steve Witkoff called Russian President Vladimir Putin a “humanitarian” after Russia released American Stephen Hubbard.
Witkoff made the remark during a meeting with Putin in St Petersburg focused on moving toward a resolution of the Ukraine war.
The comment drew criticism from Republican lawmakers and a former US ambassador to Ukraine.
President Donald Trump said he would not describe Putin one way or the other, while linking the release to the specific purpose of freeing Hubbard.
Hubbard, 74, had been imprisoned in Russia for four years and was determined by the US to have been wrongfully detained.
- Who
- US special envoy Steve Witkoff praised Russian President Vladimir Putin after the release of American Stephen Hubbard.
- What
- Witkoff called Putin a “humanitarian,” prompting criticism from Republican lawmakers and a former US ambassador.
- When
- Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
- Where
- St Petersburg, Russia.
- Why
- Witkoff made the remark in response to Hubbard’s release; the meeting was aimed at moving toward a resolution of the Ukraine war.
Critics of Witkoff’s praise
Witkoff’s praise of Putin
Putin’s character
Critics of Witkoff’s praise
Critics said Putin was a killer, a thug, a warmonger or no humanitarian.
Witkoff’s praise of Putin
Witkoff called Putin a humanitarian and thanked and commended him.
Hubbard’s release
Critics of Witkoff’s praise
William Taylor said Russia should not receive credit for releasing someone who should not have been jailed.
Witkoff’s praise of Putin
Witkoff praised Putin in response to Hubbard’s release.
Stephen Hubbard was imprisoned in Russia.
Trump announced a deal to bring Russian diesel into US and global markets, according to The National.
Trump waived parts of a Russia sanctions bill, according to The National.
Russia released Hubbard, and Witkoff called Putin a humanitarian during a meeting in St Petersburg.
- Envoy
- Steve Witkoff
- Russian president
- Vladimir Putin
- Released American
- Stephen Hubbard, 74
- Hubbard’s detention
- Four years in Russia
- Meeting location
- St Petersburg
- Response
- Republican lawmakers and a former US ambassador criticized Witkoff’s comment.
2 sources
What people are saying
You are a humanitarian also, sir, and I salute that, I commend you, and I thank you again.
But I wouldn't say anything one way or the other.
No. Putin is a stone cold killer.
We should not give the Russians any credit for releasing someone who should not have been in jail.
Posts on X
WTF, Steve? Look up the definition of “humanitarian.” What an embarrassing and outrageous thing to say. You should go back to Ukraine and ask the families of the children Putin has kidnapped and murdered whether they agree your friend Putin is a “humanitarian.”
Vladimir Putin is not our friend, and he is certainly no humanitarian. His relentless attacks on innocent civilians in Ukraine show his total disregard for human life. Appeasement won't end this war. Pressure will.
No. Putin is stone cold killer.