Witkoff calls Putin a ‘humanitarian,’ prompting backlash
By The BriefBrief
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff called Russian President Vladimir Putin a “humanitarian” and thanked him after Russia released Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old American who had been imprisoned for four years and determined to be wrongfully detained. Witkoff made the remarks Wednesday in St. Petersburg during a visit aimed at moving toward a resolution of the Ukraine war. Republican lawmakers criticized the praise.
WHO:U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff
WHAT:Witkoff praised Vladimir Putin as a “humanitarian” after Russia released Stephen Hubbard.
WHEN:Oct 21, 2026
WHERE:St. Petersburg, Russia
WHY:Witkoff made the remarks in response to Hubbard’s release during a visit aimed at moving toward a resolution of the Ukraine war.
Reporting from 7 identified publishers across this event arc.
