UK minister rejects US envoy’s praise of Putin as Kyiv faces fresh strikes
UK Cabinet minister Douglas Alexander rejected the description of Vladimir Putin as a “humanitarian”, used by US envoy Steve Witkoff during a meeting with the Russian president. Alexander said the UK views Putin as responsible for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and conduct including attempted assassinations on UK soil, and affirmed support for Ukraine as Kyiv faced renewed airstrikes.
The meeting coincided with Moscow’s agreement to release Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old American jailed in 2022 for fighting for Ukraine, and an in-principle agreement to resume peace talks with Ukraine and the US. Donald Trump said the sides may be closer to ending the war, but Russia has not publicly changed its demands and continues missile attacks. The UK and Finland said any peace deal should include security guarantees for Ukraine.
In short
- Douglas Alexander rejected Witkoff’s description of Putin as a humanitarian.
- Russia agreed to release 74-year-old American Stephen Hubbard.
- Ukraine’s allies say a peace deal needs security guarantees.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The UK minister’s rejection reflects the view that praise of Putin as a humanitarian risks obscuring Russia’s invasion and attacks, while a durable peace must protect Ukraine from renewed aggression. On this reasoning, continued support for Kyiv and firm security guarantees are necessary for negotiations to produce a just and lasting settlement.
The case against
Those favouring a more conciliatory approach could argue that engagement with Putin, even amid profound disagreement, may help secure prisoner releases and reopen talks that could reduce the fighting. They might see Witkoff’s language and Trump’s optimism as diplomatic tools, while maintaining that a negotiated settlement will require engaging Russia and weighing the risks of conditions that could prolong the war.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “‘Putin is not a humanitarian’: Minister dismisses Trump envoy’s praise of Russian president – as Kyiv is bombarded again”.