A Trump diplomat called Russian President Vladimir Putin “a humanitarian,” one of a recent flurry of overtures to the Russian leader. Experts said Trump hopes flattering Putin will encourage negotiations over Ukraine, but it is unclear whether the overtures will lead him to strike a deal.
WHO:A Trump diplomat; experts
WHAT:A Trump diplomat called Vladimir Putin “a humanitarian” in an overture to the Russian leader.
WHEN:Reported Oct 21, 2026 at 8:34 PM ET
WHERE:USA
WHY:The remarks were part of overtures intended, according to experts, to encourage Putin to negotiate over Ukraine; it is unclear whether they will do so.
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