Witkoff's 'humanitarian' Putin remark draws backlash

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff called Russian President Vladimir Putin a "humanitarian" after Russia released a U.S. citizen deemed wrongfully detained. Republican Senator John Cornyn rejected the characterization, saying, "Putin is a stone cold killer." Vice President Vance defended Witkoff, calling him "a diplomat" who was in Russia to get a job done.

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PBS Published 21 October 2026

WATCH: Vance defends U.S. envoy Witkoff calling Putin a 'humanitarian' after prisoner release

CBS Published 21 October 2026

Witkoff blasted for calling Putin a "humanitarian"

After special envoy Steve Witkoff told Putin he was a "humanitarian" for releasing a U.S. citizen deemed to have been wrongfully detained, GOP Sen. John Cornyn responded, "No. Putin is a stone cold killer."

Al Jazeera Published 21 October 2026

US envoy Witkoff calls Russia’s Putin a ‘humanitarian’

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