US Envoy Witkoff Faces Bipartisan Backlash Over Putin 'Humanitarian' Remark
· World · CBS News, NDTV, New York Times
US special envoy Steve Witkoff is facing sharp bipartisan criticism after praising Russian President Vladimir Putin as a 'humanitarian' following the release of 74-year-old American prisoner Stephen Hubbard in St. Petersburg. Witkoff made the remarks during a diplomatic mission aimed at addressing the Ukraine conflict, where Russian strikes continue to target critical energy infrastructure ahead of winter. Republican lawmakers swiftly condemned the statement on social media, with North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis calling the comment embarrassing and outrageous, and Texas Senator John Cornyn labeling Putin a 'stone cold killer.' The controversy compounds tensions following President Donald Trump's recent decision to waive planned sanctions on Russia and import diesel. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio described a separate meeting between Witkoff and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Oslo as positive.
Why it matters
The diplomatic fallout exposes deep divisions within Washington over relations with Moscow, complicating US strategy regarding sanctions and the conflict in Ukraine.
Read the original report — CBS News
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