Witkoff Faces Backlash for Calling Putin a ‘Humanitarian’ After Prisoner Release

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff sparked immediate controversy after calling Russian President Vladimir Putin a “humanitarian” during the release of Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old American wrongfully detained in Russia for four years. The comment, made on Wednesday, drew swift condemnation from Republican lawmakers and former diplomats amid ongoing tensions stemming from Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Witkoff’s Controversial Praise in Russia

During a visit aimed at easing the Ukraine conflict, Witkoff addressed Putin directly, saying, “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.” Hubbard’s release followed years of imprisonment and was determined to be wrongful. The envoy’s remarks came at a time when Russia has escalated strikes on civilian and energy infrastructure in Ukraine, intensifying the humanitarian crisis before the harsh winter.

Republican Lawmakers Express Outrage

Witkoff’s remarks provoked strong rebuke from Republicans who criticized both the envoy and the administration’s approach. North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis tweeted, “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.'”

Texas Senator John Cornyn responded bluntly to a video of the comments on X, stating, “No. Putin is a stone cold killer.” Nebraska Representative Don Bacon added, “Another embarrassment,” highlighting his ongoing criticism of the Trump administration’s handling of Russia and Ukraine.

Former Ambassador Critiques Witkoff’s Statement

William Taylor, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, acknowledged that Hubbard’s return is “absolutely a good thing” but condemned the notion of crediting Russia for the release. He told CBS News, “We should not give the Russians any credit for releasing someone who should not have been in jail. And to call Putin a humanitarian, that’s cringeworthy.” Taylor served under the Bush and Obama administrations and underscored the inappropriateness of praising Putin amid ongoing conflict.

Context of U.S.-Russia Relations Under President Trump

Witkoff’s comments come shortly after President Donald Trump waived new U.S. sanctions on Russia just two days before their enforcement date, defying Congressional opposition including that of the late Senator Lindsey Graham. This followed Trump’s easing of sanctions on Russian diesel and a deal with Putin to import diesel to the U.S. market.

President Trump has also expressed growing frustration with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, stating Tuesday, “Russia, frankly, has been fine on Ukraine. They haven’t been doing much.” Prior to his visit to Russia, Witkoff met with and embraced Zelenskyy in Oslo, a meeting Secretary of State Marco Rubio described as “positive.” This juxtaposition underscores the complex and often contradictory dynamics within U.S. foreign policy toward Russia and Ukraine.

Witkoff’s description of Putin as a humanitarian has intensified debate over the U.S. approach to Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and challenges in securing the release of detained Americans.

The backlash from Republican leaders reflects deep divisions on how the current administration manages relations with Russia and highlights the sensitivity surrounding any perceived praise for Putin during this protracted conflict.