Zelensky Mocks Witkoff for Calling Putin 'Humanitarian' After U.S. Citizen's Release as Kyiv Is Hit
Photo: MS NOWUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday mocked U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff for describing Russian President Vladimir Putin as a humanitarian, as Russia and Ukraine exchanged overnight strikes. Zelensky wrote on X that three waves of Russian ballistic missiles, 21 in all, had hit Kyiv since Wednesday evening, damaging residential buildings, energy facilities, a railway station, the metro, shopping malls and businesses. Witkoff made the remark Wednesday after meeting Putin in St. Petersburg, following Russia's release of U.S. citizen Stephen Hubbard, who was detained for allegedly fighting for Ukraine. President Donald Trump said in the Oval Office that Witkoff may have meant it for the purpose of Hubbard's release, adding he would not comment either way. Putin also agreed Wednesday to trilateral talks with the U.S. and Ukraine.
Left-leaning outlets focused on the reaction and its meaning: The Washington Post cited fierce backlash from lawmakers and Ukraine, while MS NOW analyzed how the comment played to Putin's view of himself. Alternative outlet Newsweek led with Trump defending Witkoff. Right-leaning Washington Examiner led with Zelensky's remarks, the strike damage and the peace-talk context. All sides cover the remark and Hubbard's release.
How the sides differ Left sources emphasize backlash and analysis of Putin's image; alternative sources stress Trump's defense; right sources lead with Zelensky's response and the Kyiv strikes.
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The Washington Post highlights backlash from lawmakers and Ukraine, while MS NOW offers analysis of how the remark appealed to Putin's view of himself as gentle.
Newsweek leads with President Trump defending Witkoff's description of Putin, centering the president's response rather than criticism.
The Washington Examiner leads with Zelensky's mocking response and his account of the Kyiv strikes, then adds Trump's comments and the peace-talk developments.