Steve Witkoff calls Putin a "humanitarian" after Russia frees Stephen Hubbard; senators from both parties object
Envoy Steve Witkoff called Vladimir Putin a humanitarian after Russia freed American Stephen Hubbard. Senators from both parties rejected the label, calling Putin a killer and a war criminal; President Trump said it could be used for the purpose of freeing Hubbard.
Case period:
Published by The Dispute Index editorial teamPublished Updated
Overview
Hubbard, a retired teacher from Michigan who lived in Ukraine, was detained in April 2022 after Russian forces took control of the area where he lived. A Russian court sentenced him in 2024 to nearly seven years in prison on charges of fighting as a mercenary for Ukraine, which his lawyers and family denied, and the State Department designated him wrongfully detained. Trump said he had asked Putin to free Hubbard and that the United States gave up no one in return. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin freed him out of humanitarian considerations. Witkoff was in St. Petersburg for talks on ending Russia's war in Ukraine, a week after Trump waived sanctions on Russia that Congress had passed.
People in this case
Steve WitkoffDirectly involved
Vladimir PutinDirectly involved
Donald TrumpCommented
Joni ErnstCommented
Timeline
3 timeline entries on this page. Dates: October 21, 2026
October 2026
Russia frees Stephen Hubbard; Witkoff calls Putin a humanitarian
Incident
Russia releases Hubbard during Witkoff's visit to St. Petersburg. Thanking Putin, Witkoff tells him "You are a humanitarian also, sir".
[01]Associated Press
The Associated Press report on Russia's release of Stephen Hubbard during Steve Witkoff's visit to St. Petersburg. It quotes Witkoff praising Vladimir Putin as a humanitarian, Trump on the release, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, and Hubbard's sister and lawyer.
Russia frees American Stephen Hubbard after over 4 years behind bars · Associated PressFull articleSenators from both parties criticize Witkoff's remark
Reaction
Republican Sens. John Cornyn, Thom Tillis and Joni Ernst and Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin reject the description of Putin in posts on X.
[02]John Cornyn replies to Witkoff's "humanitarian" remark
Cornyn's post on X quoting a video clip of Witkoff telling Putin he is a humanitarian.
John Cornyn replies to Witkoff's "humanitarian" remarkText of post 2112876842537402446, quoting a clip of Witkoff posted by @Gerashchenko_en[03]Thom Tillis replies to Witkoff's "humanitarian" remark
Tillis's post on X quoting a video clip of Witkoff telling Putin he is a humanitarian.
Thom Tillis replies to Witkoff's "humanitarian" remarkText of post 2112890374163235086, quoting a clip of Witkoff posted by @Gerashchenko_en[04]Joni Ernst says Putin is "no humanitarian"
Ernst's post on X about Putin, published the day Witkoff called him a humanitarian.
Joni Ernst says Putin is "no humanitarian"Text of post 2112967029422501919[05]Dick Durbin on Hubbard's release and Witkoff's "humanitarian" remark
Durbin's post on X welcoming Hubbard's release and criticizing the description of Putin as a humanitarian.
Dick Durbin on Hubbard's release and Witkoff's "humanitarian" remarkText of post 2112923535811178509, quoting a clip of Witkoff posted by @Gerashchenko_enTrump is asked whether he would also call Putin a humanitarian
Reaction
At a White House roundtable on cyber crime, Trump says that for the purpose of freeing Hubbard "I guess you have to say" it, adding that he "wouldn't say anything one way or the other".
[06]CBS News
CBS News report on reaction to Witkoff's remark. It quotes Trump at a White House roundtable, posts by Sens. Thom Tillis, John Cornyn and Joni Ernst and Rep. Don Bacon, Sen. Susan Collins on the campaign trail, and former ambassador William Taylor in an interview with CBS News.
Witkoff faces backlash for calling Putin a "humanitarian": "Embarrassing and outrageous" · CBS NewsFull article (updated October 21, 2026, 5:13 p.m. EDT)
Response record
Responses
Choose one response filter, or select All responses to see the full record.
7 responses. First 6 shown initially. Newest first.
Donald TrumpPresident of the United StatesBefore this statement
CBS News reports that Trump was asked later on October 21, during a White House roundtable on cyber crime, whether he would describe Putin the same way Witkoff did.
"Well, I guess you have to say for that particular purpose, for the purpose of allowing a man who was thinking he was going to be in prison for life out"
Mixed or conditionalCase context: Steve Witkoff calls Putin a "humanitarian" after Russia frees Stephen Hubbard; senators from both parties object
Full statement and sources
Asked whether he would describe Putin as Witkoff did, Trump says "I guess you have to say" it for the purpose of releasing a man who thought he would be in prison for life, then adds that he would not say anything one way or the other.
After the statement
Trump added: "But I wouldn't say anything one way or the other."
Witkoff faces backlash for calling Putin a "humanitarian": "Embarrassing and outrageous" · CBS NewsFull article (updated October 21, 2026, 5:13 p.m. EDT)Why this label?
The case looks at Witkoff calling Putin a humanitarian. Trump says it was something you have to say for the purpose of freeing Hubbard, but declines to take a view either way, so we labeled it mixed or conditional.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Joni ErnstRepublican U.S. senator from IowaBefore this statement
Ernst posted on X after Witkoff praised Putin as a humanitarian at their meeting in St. Petersburg. CBS News reported the post among Republican criticism of the remark.
"Vladimir Putin is not our friend, and he is certainly no humanitarian. His relentless attacks on innocent civilians in Ukraine show his total disregard for human life."
CondemnedCase context: Steve Witkoff calls Putin a "humanitarian" after Russia frees Stephen Hubbard; senators from both parties object
Full statement and sources
Ernst says Putin is "not our friend" and is no humanitarian, citing his attacks on civilians in Ukraine, and says pressure, not appeasement, will end the war.
After the statement
She ends the post: "Appeasement won't end this war. Pressure will."
Joni Ernst says Putin is "no humanitarian"Text of post 2112967029422501919Witkoff faces backlash for calling Putin a "humanitarian": "Embarrassing and outrageous" · CBS NewsFull article (updated October 21, 2026, 5:13 p.m. EDT)Why this label?
The case looks at Witkoff calling Putin a humanitarian. Ernst rejects that description and cites Putin's attacks on civilians, so we labeled it a condemnation.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Susan CollinsRepublican U.S. senator from MaineBefore this statement
CBS News reports that Collins was asked about Witkoff's comment on the campaign trail.
"I would describe Putin as a warmonger, a thug. He's certainly not a humanitarian. He is the aggressor in the war against Ukraine."
CondemnedCase context: Steve Witkoff calls Putin a "humanitarian" after Russia frees Stephen Hubbard; senators from both parties object
Full statement and sources
Asked about Witkoff's remark while campaigning, Collins calls Putin a warmonger and a thug who is not a humanitarian and is the aggressor in the war against Ukraine.
After the statement
CBS News notes that Collins has also been critical of the administration.
Witkoff faces backlash for calling Putin a "humanitarian": "Embarrassing and outrageous" · CBS NewsFull article (updated October 21, 2026, 5:13 p.m. EDT)Why this label?
The case looks at Witkoff calling Putin a humanitarian. Collins rejects that description and calls Putin a warmonger, so we labeled it a condemnation.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
William B. Taylor Jr.Former U.S. ambassador to UkraineBefore this statement
In an interview with CBS News, Taylor said it is "absolutely a good thing" Hubbard is coming home but that he should never have been there, and that the Russians should get no credit for releasing someone who should not have been in jail.
"And to call Putin a humanitarian, that's cringeworthy."
CondemnedCase context: Steve Witkoff calls Putin a "humanitarian" after Russia frees Stephen Hubbard; senators from both parties object
Full statement and sources
Taylor welcomes Hubbard's return but says Russia should get no credit for releasing someone who should not have been jailed, and calls the humanitarian description cringeworthy.
After the statement
CBS News reported his comments alongside criticism of Witkoff's remark from Republican senators.
Witkoff faces backlash for calling Putin a "humanitarian": "Embarrassing and outrageous" · CBS NewsFull article (updated October 21, 2026, 5:13 p.m. EDT)Why this label?
The case looks at Witkoff calling Putin a humanitarian. Taylor calls that description cringeworthy, so we labeled it a condemnation.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Dick DurbinDemocratic U.S. senator from IllinoisBefore this statement
Durbin opens the post by saying he is pleased Russia released Stephen Hubbard and that Hubbard never should have been jailed.
"Calling the war criminal Vladimir Putin a "humanitarian" is a disgrace to the tens of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians that Putin has killed as part of his brutal war."
CondemnedCase context: Steve Witkoff calls Putin a "humanitarian" after Russia frees Stephen Hubbard; senators from both parties object
Full statement and sources
Durbin welcomes Hubbard's release, says he never should have been jailed, and calls describing Putin as a humanitarian a disgrace to the Ukrainian soldiers and civilians Putin has killed.
After the statement
The Associated Press reports that Witkoff made the remark while thanking Putin for releasing Hubbard during talks in St. Petersburg about the war in Ukraine.
Dick Durbin on Hubbard's release and Witkoff's "humanitarian" remarkText of post 2112923535811178509, quoting a clip of Witkoff posted by @Gerashchenko_enRussia frees American Stephen Hubbard after over 4 years behind bars · Associated PressFull articleWhy this label?
The case looks at Witkoff calling Putin a humanitarian. Durbin calls that description a disgrace, so we labeled it a condemnation.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Thom TillisRepublican U.S. senator from North CarolinaBefore this statement
CBS News reports that Tillis responded on X to Witkoff calling Putin a humanitarian after Russia released Stephen Hubbard. The post opens by addressing Witkoff by his first name.
"Look up the definition of "humanitarian." What an embarrassing and outrageous thing to say."
CondemnedCase context: Steve Witkoff calls Putin a "humanitarian" after Russia frees Stephen Hubbard; senators from both parties object
Full statement and sources
Tillis tells Witkoff to look up the definition of humanitarian, calls the remark embarrassing and outrageous, and says Witkoff should ask Ukrainian families whose children Putin has kidnapped and murdered whether they agree.
After the statement
Tillis adds that Witkoff should go back to Ukraine and ask the families of the children Putin has kidnapped and murdered whether they agree that Putin is a humanitarian.
Thom Tillis replies to Witkoff's "humanitarian" remarkText of post 2112890374163235086, quoting a clip of Witkoff posted by @Gerashchenko_enWitkoff faces backlash for calling Putin a "humanitarian": "Embarrassing and outrageous" · CBS NewsFull article (updated October 21, 2026, 5:13 p.m. EDT)Why this label?
The case looks at Witkoff calling Putin a humanitarian. Tillis calls the remark embarrassing and outrageous, so we labeled it a condemnation.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Show fewer responses
John CornynRepublican U.S. senator from TexasBefore this statement
Cornyn posted on X in reply to a clip of Witkoff praising Putin as a humanitarian in St. Petersburg after Russia released Stephen Hubbard.
"No. Putin is stone cold killer."
CondemnedCase context: Steve Witkoff calls Putin a "humanitarian" after Russia frees Stephen Hubbard; senators from both parties object
Full statement and sources
Cornyn rejects Witkoff's description of Putin as a humanitarian and calls Putin a stone cold killer.
After the statement
CBS News reported the post among criticism of Witkoff's remark from Republican lawmakers.
John Cornyn replies to Witkoff's "humanitarian" remarkText of post 2112876842537402446, quoting a clip of Witkoff posted by @Gerashchenko_enWitkoff faces backlash for calling Putin a "humanitarian": "Embarrassing and outrageous" · CBS NewsFull article (updated October 21, 2026, 5:13 p.m. EDT)Why this label?
The case looks at Witkoff calling Putin a humanitarian. Cornyn rejects that description and calls Putin a killer, so we labeled it a condemnation.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Sources
(6)
Reporting
Russia frees American Stephen Hubbard after over 4 years behind bars
Relevant passage: Full article
About this source
The Associated Press report on Russia's release of Stephen Hubbard during Steve Witkoff's visit to St. Petersburg. It quotes Witkoff praising Vladimir Putin as a humanitarian, Trump on the release, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, and Hubbard's sister and lawyer.
- Author
- Dasha Litvinova and Eric Tucker
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Dick Durbin on Hubbard's release and Witkoff's "humanitarian" remark
About this source
Durbin's post on X welcoming Hubbard's release and criticizing the description of Putin as a humanitarian.
- Author
- Dick Durbin
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Joni Ernst says Putin is "no humanitarian"
About this source
Ernst's post on X about Putin, published the day Witkoff called him a humanitarian.
- Author
- Joni Ernst
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
John Cornyn replies to Witkoff's "humanitarian" remark
About this source
Cornyn's post on X quoting a video clip of Witkoff telling Putin he is a humanitarian.
- Author
- John Cornyn
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Thom Tillis replies to Witkoff's "humanitarian" remark
About this source
Tillis's post on X quoting a video clip of Witkoff telling Putin he is a humanitarian.
- Author
- Thom Tillis
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Witkoff faces backlash for calling Putin a "humanitarian": "Embarrassing and outrageous"
Relevant passage: Full article (updated October 21, 2026, 5:13 p.m. EDT)
About this source
CBS News report on reaction to Witkoff's remark. It quotes Trump at a White House roundtable, posts by Sens. Thom Tillis, John Cornyn and Joni Ernst and Rep. Don Bacon, Sen. Susan Collins on the campaign trail, and former ambassador William Taylor in an interview with CBS News.
- Author
- Kathryn Watson
- Published
- Accessed
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- Title
- Steve Witkoff calls Putin a "humanitarian" after Russia frees Stephen Hubbard; senators from both parties object
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The Dispute Index. "Steve Witkoff calls Putin a "humanitarian" after Russia frees Stephen Hubbard; senators from both parties object". First published: 2026-10-26. Last updated: 2026-10-26. https://disputeindex.com/cases/steve-witkoff-calls-putin-a-humanitarian-after-russia-frees-stephen-hubbard-senators-from-both-parties-object