# Trump Envoy Praises Putin as Humanitarian

> Trump envoy thanks Putin for releasing American held in Russia after Trump's direct appeal.
- Title: Trump Envoy Praises Putin as Humanitarian · The Boston Globe
- Summary: Trump envoy thanks Putin for releasing American held in Russia after Trump's direct appeal. Trump administration envoy Steve Witkoff praised Putin as a…
- Keywords: steve witkoff, vladimir putin, stephen hubbard, united states, russia, ukraine, volodymyr zelenskyy, starshield, patriot interceptors, truth social, international criminal court, mercenaries
- Source: The Boston Globe — https://bostonglobe.com/2026/10/21/world/calling-putin-humanitarian-witkoff-thanks-him-releasing-an-american
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: steve witkoff, vladimir putin, stephen hubbard, united states, russia, ukraine, volodymyr zelenskyy, starshield, patriot interceptors, truth social, international criminal court, mercenaries
## Trump envoy praises Putin
Steve Witkoff thanked Putin for releasing Stephen Hubbard, a US citizen detained for four years on fabricated charges.

> You talk so much about my president, President Trump, being a humanitarian. You are a humanitarian also, sir, and I salute that.
## Trump's direct appeal
Trump directly asked Putin to release Hubbard after learning of his case, calling him 'on his way back home and will soon be with his family'.
## Hubbard's detention
Hubbard was held in Russia since 2022, accused of being a Ukrainian mercenary with call signs 'Samurai' and 'Ninja'.
## Trump administration's stance
The US says it built a relationship with Putin to end the war, with no swap needed for Hubbard's release.

> The United States, out of respect for President Trump, was not required to give anything in return, an unprecedented situation for Russia.
## Ukraine's response
Ukraine reported reduced intelligence sharing, limited Starshield access, and suspended Patriot interceptors deliveries.
## Hubbard's health
Hubbard's health is fragile; he will be flown to a Texas facility for evaluation and treatment.
## Trump's relationship with Putin
Trump has repeatedly sided with Russia and called for Ukraine to replace Zelenskyy, a move critics say undermines Ukraine.
## What happens next
Hubbard's release strengthens Trump's relationship with Putin but risks further tensions with Ukraine.
## Key takeaway

Trump administration envoy Steve Witkoff praised Putin as a humanitarian after the Russian leader released Stephen Hubbard, a US citizen detained for four years on fabricated charges.