From Rolling Stone · Nikki McCann Ramirez · · 1m
Trump Envoy Calls Putin 'Humanitarian'
Trump's envoy praises Putin as humanitarian amid Ukraine war criticism.
In brief
Trump's envoy praises Putin as humanitarian amid Ukraine war criticism. Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff called Putin a humanitarian during talks in St. Petersburg, drawing backlash from U.S. senators over Russia's war crimes. Originally reported by Rolling Stone.
Trump Envoy Praises Putin
Steve Witkoff called Putin a humanitarian during talks in St. Petersburg on Oct. 21, 2026.
“You talk so much about my president, President Trump, being a humanitarian. You are a humanitarian also, sir, and I salute that, I commend you, and I thank you again.”
U.S. Senate Backlash
Senator Thom Tillis criticized Witkoff for calling Putin a humanitarian, demanding he look up the term's definition.
“WTF, Steve? Look up the definition of 'humanitarian.' What an embarrassing and outrageous thing to say.”
Senator Cornyn's Response
Senator John Cornyn called Putin a 'stone cold killer' in response to Witkoff's comments.
“No. Putin is stone cold killer.”
Mark Kelly's Critique
Senator Mark Kelly questioned whether Putin could be considered a humanitarian given his war crimes.
“He’s assassinated political rivals and journalists, bombed hospitals, and started a war that has intentionally killed tens of thousands of innocent people.”
Witkoff's Optimistic Summary
Witkoff said talks showed 'some degree of momentum' for peace in Ukraine.
“I hope that this today can be another step forward in the peace process and discussing how we resolve the ukrainian conflict.”
Ukraine Not Involved
Ukraine was not part of the talks, with Trump shifting blame for energy crises to Ukraine.
“Trump has attempted to shift blame for the iran-war induced fuel and energy crisis onto ukraine.”
The big picture
Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff called Putin a humanitarian during talks in St. Petersburg, drawing backlash from U.S. senators over Russia's war crimes.
