Witkoff faces backlash for calling Putin a "humanitarian": "Embarrassing and outrageous"

Key Points:

• U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff praised Russian President Vladimir Putin as a "humanitarian" following the release of American Stephen Hubbard, who had been wrongfully detained in Russia for four years, sparking immediate backlash from Republicans.
• Republican lawmakers, including Senators Thom Tillis, John Cornyn, Susan Collins, and Joni Ernst, strongly criticized Witkoff's comment, labeling Putin as a warmonger and aggressor responsible for civilian attacks in Ukraine.
• Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine William Taylor condemned the praise, stating that Hubbard should never have been imprisoned and calling Witkoff's characterization of Putin "cringeworthy."
• Witkoff's remarks come amid President Trump's recent moves to waive new U.S. sanctions on Russia and ease restrictions on Russian diesel imports, actions that have drawn bipartisan concern.
• Prior to his visit to Russia, Witkoff met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Oslo, a meeting Secretary of State Marco Rubio described as "positive," highlighting ongoing diplomatic efforts despite tensions.