US Envoy Faces Backlash Over Putin ‘Humanitarian’ Remark as Kyiv Endures Missile Barrage

POLICY WIRE — Washington, USA — US special envoy Steve Witkoff is facing significant bipartisan backlash after labeling Russian President Vladimir Putin a humanitarian. The comment followed the release of American citizen Stephen Hubbard, who had been detained in Russia for over four years.

Republican Senator Thom Tillis publicly rebuked the envoy on X, urging him to reconsider the definition of the term. While Donald Trump declined to explicitly endorse or reject the characterization, Vice President JD Vance defended the envoy, stating he agreed with offering kind words to someone who had just released an American hostage.

The release of the 74-year-old former teacher, who had been accused of fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine, occurred during Witkoff’s visit to St. Petersburg. Trump maintained that the release was secured without any concessions or prisoner swaps, citing respect for his own leadership.

As diplomatic tensions simmer, Kyiv was struck by a wave of Russian ballistic missiles early Thursday morning. The assault resulted in at least 13 explosions within an eight-minute window around 3 a.m. local time, causing injuries to six people and damaging residential buildings, a medical facility, and a car service station.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that debris struck private homes, leaving residents trapped under rubble. The strikes triggered fires and widespread power and internet outages across the capital, with local residents describing scenes of blown-out windows and emergency rescues.

Amid the violence, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov indicated that Moscow is prepared to resume trilateral talks next month, though he noted that previous proposals lacked substance. Meanwhile, the Kremlin announced that journalists from nations deemed unfriendly, including the US and UK, will be permitted to attend Vladimir Putin’s annual year-end press conference in December.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)