Witkoff’s praise for Putin draws criticism during Ukraine peace push

What This is

• U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff met President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg as part of a U.S. push to restart diplomacy over the Russia-Ukraine war.
• The Kremlin said Russia is ready “in principle” to resume trilateral talks with the U.S. and Ukraine in November, with officials floating a focus on a postwar security framework.
• Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv supports U.S.-proposed three-way talks and wants them held as soon as possible, while Russia indicated a later timeline.
• Russia freed American Stephen Hubbard during Witkoff’s visit; U.S. officials had designated him as wrongfully detained.
• Witkoff publicly praised Putin after Hubbard’s release, including calling him a “humanitarian,” drawing criticism from Republican and Democratic lawmakers.
• Russian missile and drone attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian areas continued during the diplomatic push, causing casualties and damage and sending residents to shelters.

Why This Matters

• How Washington mixes praise, sanctions relief, and arms support will shape the balance of power in any talks.
• Ongoing strikes during negotiations raise doubts about whether diplomacy can protect civilians in the near term.
• Differences over concessions to Moscow could complicate coordination between Washington, Kyiv, and European allies.
• Detainee releases can save lives while also giving governments opportunities to seek diplomatic goodwill.