Verified Evidence: resolved · Fact Lock: locked · QA: pass
Steve Witkoff’s description of Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “humanitarian” has drawn criticism from lawmakers, including some Republicans, after an American detained in Russia was released.

Witkoff made the remark while thanking Putin for releasing an American who had been detained in Russia. The Guardian reported that the comments came during Witkoff’s meeting with Putin in St. Petersburg on October 21, 2026.

The Hill reported that the released American was Stephen Hubbard, a teacher who had been held in Russia and accused of being a Ukrainian mercenary. The publication also reported that President Donald Trump had made a direct appeal to Putin for Hubbard’s release.

Vice President JD Vance defended Witkoff’s comments. PBS NewsHour reported that Vance said he agreed with Witkoff’s decision to say something positive to someone who had released an American hostage, and described Witkoff as a diplomat who was in Russia to get a job done.

The characterization triggered backlash and criticism from lawmakers, including some Republicans, but the accounts do not identify all of those lawmakers or provide their exact statements. They also report Hubbard’s release without detailing its full circumstances or terms.

SOURCES

  1. The HillWitkoff faces backlash after calling Putin a ‘humanitarian’
  2. PBS NewsHourWATCH: Vance defends U.S. envoy Witkoff calling Putin a 'humanitarian' after prisoner release
  3. The Guardian‘You are a humanitarian also, sir’: the US feeds Putin with lies as Ukraine’s children take cover and die | Andrew Roth
  4. Al JazeeraUS envoy Witkoff calls Russia’s Putin a ‘humanitarian’