U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg on October 21 for talks on ending the war in Ukraine. At the start of the meeting, Putin announced that Russia had freed Stephen Hubbard, a U.S. citizen serving a prison sentence on mercenary charges related to his service with Ukraine’s territorial defense forces. Witkoff responded by describing Putin as a “humanitarian,” drawing criticism from senior U.S. politicians, including fellow Republicans. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance have defended Witkoff. The following are among the most notable comments.
Steve Witkoff, U.S. special envoy
[To Putin:] You talk so much about my president, President Trump, being a humanitarian. You are a humanitarian also, sir, and I salute that. I commend you, and I thank you again.
Joni Ernst, Republican senator
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.
Don Bacon, Republican representative
Another embarrassment.
Thom Tillis, Republican senator
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.”
John Cornyn, Republican senator
No. Putin is [a] stone cold killer.
Jeanne Shaheen, Democratic senator
Vladimir Putin is a war criminal. He is a murderous dictator who has killed thousands of Ukrainians in unspeakable acts of brutality. These comments are disgusting and shameful.
JD Vance, U.S. vice president
agree with Steve Witkoff saying something nice to a person who just released an American hostage. Whether you agree with the underlying sentiment or not, Steve Witkoff is a diplomat. His job is to go over there and get a job done. […] I care much less about what Steve said than about the fact that he is bringing an American hostage home to his family.
Donald Trump, U.S. president
Well, I guess you have to say for that particular purpose, for the purpose of allowing a man who was thinking he was going to be in prison for life out. […] But I wouldn’t say anything one way or the other.
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