Witkoff faces backlash after calling Putin a ‘humanitarian’

AI Summary

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff is facing criticism from lawmakers after describing Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “humanitarian.” The remark followed Putin’s release of American teacher Stephen James Hubbard, who had been accused by Russia of fighting as a Ukrainian mercenary, after President Donald Trump appealed for his release.

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 James Hubbard, a teacher who was accused of being a Ukrainian mercenary.…