U.S. Envoy Witkoff Praises Putin After Prisoner Release
Source reports published 22 Oct 2026, 12:55 am – 3:56 am AEST
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff praised Russian President Vladimir Putin for releasing American hostage Stephen Hubbard after four years of imprisonment. The exchange occurred amidst criticism from some Republican officials regarding Witkoff’s characterization of Putin.
What happened
- U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff visited St. Petersburg, Russia, to facilitate the release of Stephen Hubbard, an American citizen detained for over four years.
- Following Hubbard’s return to the United States, Witkoff publicly praised Putin as a "humanitarian" and offered "salute and commendation."
- This statement generated immediate backlash from several Republican figures, including Senator Thom Tillis, who described the comment as "embarrassing and outrageous."
- Senator John Cornyn stated that Putin is a "stone cold killer."
- William Taylor, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, acknowledged the positive outcome of Hubbard’s release but cautioned against giving Russia credit for an unjust detention.
- Republican Senator Joni Ernst asserted that Putin is "not our friend."
- The exchange coincided with President Trump’s decision to waive new U.S. sanctions on Russia and a reported easing of sanctions on Russian diesel.