Witkoff called Putin "humane"
His words angered American congressmen. Trump and Vance are trying to justify him.
Witkoff called Putin a "humanitarian"
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in St. Petersburg on October 21 and held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on ending the war. At the beginning of the meeting, Putin announced the release of Stephen Hubbard, a U.S. citizen serving a sentence in Russia for fighting in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In response, Witkoff called Putin a "humanitarian" — a move that was completely disliked by many high-ranking politicians in the United States, including members of Donald Trump's own party. Trump and his Vice President Vance defended Witkoff.
(To Putin) You talk a lot about President Trump's humanity. You are a humanist yourself, sir, I give you credit for that.
Vladimir Putin is not our friend, and he is clearly not a humanitarian. His relentless attacks on innocent civilians in Ukraine show his total disregard for human life. This war cannot be ended with flattery. It can only be achieved through pressure.
Another embarrassment from [Witkoff].
What is this, Steve? Learn the meaning of the word "humanitarian". What an embarrassing and disgusting statement. You should go back to Ukraine and ask the families of the children stolen and killed by Putin how much they agree with the idea that your friend Putin is a "humanitarian".
No, Putin is not a humanitarian, but a cold-blooded killer.
Vladimir Putin is a war criminal. He is a dictator who has killed thousands of Ukrainians with indescribable cruelty. Witkoff's words are disgusting and shameful.