Politics
Witkoff calls Putin a humanitarian; Republican lawmakers and UK government object
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff's remark in St. Petersburg drew criticism from Republican lawmakers and Downing Street.
The short version
- U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff called Putin a humanitarian in St. Petersburg after Hubbard's release, during a visit aimed at ending the Ukraine war.[CBS News]
- Republican Sen. Thom Tillis called the remark embarrassing and outrageous, and Sen. John Cornyn and Rep. Don Bacon also criticized it.[CBS News]
- Downing Street rejected the description, and Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said Britain views Putin as having illegally invaded Ukraine.[The Guardian]
Key facts
- Witkoff called Putin a humanitarian in St. Petersburg during a visit aimed at moving toward ending the Ukraine war, after Putin released American Stephen Hubbard.[CBS News]
- Republican Sen. Thom Tillis called the comment embarrassing and outrageous.[CBS News]
- Republican Sen. John Cornyn wrote on X that Putin is a stone cold killer, and Rep. Don Bacon called the comment another embarrassment.[CBS News]
- Downing Street rejected Witkoff's description of Putin as a humanitarian.[The Guardian]
- A Downing Street spokesperson said Putin has killed thousands of people, including innocent Ukrainians and Russians sent to the front line.[The Guardian]
- Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said Britain views Putin as having illegally invaded Ukraine and as responsible for attempted assassinations on UK soil.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- The provided reporting does not include a response from Witkoff or the White House to the criticism.[The Guardian · CBS News]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- Witkoff blasted for calling Putin a "humanitarian"CBS News - Top Stories
- Downing Street rejects Witkoff’s description of Putin as a ‘humanitarian’The Guardian - World