US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff sparked outrage among Republican lawmakers Wednesday, Oct. 21, after praising Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “humanitarian” during talks in St. Petersburg, despite Moscow’s continuing deadly attacks on Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure.
The remarks came as Putin released Stephen Hubbard, an American citizen imprisoned in Russia for more than four years, while Washington sought to revive negotiations to end Russia’s war against Ukraine.
JOIN US ON TELEGRAM
Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official.
“You talk so much about my president, President Trump, being a humanitarian – you are a humanitarian also, sir, and I salute that,” Witkoff told Putin during the televised meeting.
“I commend you, and I thank you again,” he added.
The praise drew immediate condemnation from Republican lawmakers, who pointed to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, attacks on civilians and the deportation of Ukrainian children.
‘WTF, Steve?’ – Republicans condemn Witkoff’s praise
Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina condemned Witkoff’s praise of Putin as Russian forces continued to bombard Ukrainian cities.
“WTF, Steve? Look up the definition of ‘humanitarian,’” Tillis wrote on X.
“What an embarrassing and outrageous thing to say,” he added, urging Witkoff to speak with Ukrainian families whose children have been killed or taken to Russia.
Other Topics of Interest
Bundeswehr Raises Threat Level, Warns of Potential Russian Attacks
German’s armed forces have raised the threat level to “Serious” over concerns of Russian sabotage attacks.
Republican Senator John Cornyn of Texas also rejected the envoy’s characterization.
“No. Putin is a stone cold killer,” Cornyn wrote on X.
Republican Congressman Don Bacon of Nebraska, another outspoken critic of Washington’s approach to Moscow, described the episode as “another embarrassment.”
Trump and Vance defend envoy
Trump played down the controversy when questioned about Witkoff’s remarks, suggesting that the description could be understood in the narrow context of Hubbard’s release.
“Well, I guess you could say (it) for that particular purpose, for the purpose of allowing a man who was thinking he was going to be in prison for life out,” Trump said.
“But you know, I wouldn’t say anything one way or the other.”
Vice President JD Vance offered a more direct defense, arguing that Witkoff’s comments were part of the diplomacy required to secure an American citizen’s freedom.
“I agree with Steve Witkoff saying something nice to a person who just released an American hostage,” Vance said during an event in Ohio.
“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.”
The administration has presented Hubbard’s release as a diplomatic success. Trump said Washington had not been required to release another prisoner in exchange.
American teacher released after more than four years in Russian captivity
Hubbard, a 74-year-old retired teacher and US Air Force veteran, had been held by Russia since 2022 after Russian troops detained him in occupied eastern Ukraine.
Russian authorities accused him of fighting as a mercenary for Ukrainian forces, allegations his family and legal representatives denied.
He was subsequently sentenced to nearly seven years in prison. The US government designated him as wrongfully detained.
According to the Associated Press, Hubbard’s family described harsh conditions during his detention, including beatings and deprivation of food.
His sister, Patricia Hubbard Fox, expressed relief at his release following years of uncertainty over his fate.
The Kremlin presented the decision as a goodwill gesture toward Trump, saying Hubbard had been pardoned following requests from Washington.
Witkoff’s meeting with Putin came one day after discussions with President Volodymyr Zelensky and European partners in Oslo.
According to the Ukrainian presidency, the talks focused on security guarantees, possible ceasefire arrangements and proposals to advance negotiations.
Zelensky emphasized the importance of US engagement while making clear that Ukraine was seeking a just and lasting peace rather than an agreement that would leave the country vulnerable to renewed Russian aggression.
Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 90% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.