Alexander says the UK rejects the description
Douglas AlexanderUK secretary of state for Scotland
Alexander rejects Witkoff's description on behalf of the UK government. He cites Russia's invasion of Ukraine and attempted assassinations in Britain, and reiterates support for Ukraine.
“So we simply do not recognise the description of Vladimir Putin as a humanitarian.”
Interview
Where this statement fits
Steve Witkoff calls Putin a "humanitarian" after Russia frees Stephen Hubbard; senators from both parties object
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff praised Russian President Vladimir Putin as a humanitarian in St. Petersburg on October 21, 2026, after Russia released Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old American held for more than four years. Republican Sens. Thom Tillis, John Cornyn, Joni Ernst and Susan Collins and Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin rejected the description. Asked whether he would describe Putin the same way, President Donald Trump said the label could be used for the purpose of freeing Hubbard, but that he would not say anything one way or the other.
Source and context
Interview
About this source
Alexander speaks for the UK government and cites the invasion and attempted assassinations.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Before the quotation
Nick Ferrari asks whether the UK agrees with Witkoff.
After the quotation
Alexander contrasts the description with Britain's support for Zelenskyy.
How this statement is classified
The label describes this statement's response within the context above.
Why this label?
The speaker rejects or criticizes calling Putin a humanitarian.
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More from this case
Read the full caseThe Republican calls Witkoff's praise of Putin misguided appeasement
The Republican
“That's not normal diplomacy. It is a misguided appeasement that will benefit only Putin.”Read statement
Watkins criticizes the policy behind Witkoff's praise
“Mr Witkoff's praise was jarring, but it was hardly surprising given recent events.”Read statement
Trump on calling Putin a humanitarian: "I guess you have to say" it "for that particular purpose"
“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”Read statement
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The Dispute Index. "Alexander says the UK rejects the description". First published: 2026-10-31. Last updated: 2026-10-31. https://disputeindex.com/events/7408-alexander-rejects-witkoff-s-description-on-behalf-of