Witkoff faces backlash after calling Putin a ‘humanitarian’

Special envoy Steve Witkoff is facing criticism from lawmakers after calling Russian President Vladimir Putin a “humanitarian” for releasing an American who has been held in Russia for years.

President Trump had made a direct appeal to Putin for the release of Stephen Hubbard, a teacher who was accused of being a Ukrainian mercenary. Hubbard was released Wednesday after more than four years in detention.

“You talk so much about my president, President Trump, being a humanitarian,” Witkoff, in St. Petersburg, Russia, said to Putin. “You are a humanitarian also, sir, and I salute that.”

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) hit Witkoff in a Wednesday post on the........

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