UK Minister Rejects Trump Envoy's Description of Putin as 'Humanitarian'

Scotland Secretary Douglas Alexander has rejected the characterization of Russian President Vladimir Putin as a "humanitarian," a description previously used by Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff.

Witkoff met with Putin on October 21, 2026, where he reportedly described the Russian president as a humanitarian. This meeting coincided with renewed airstrikes on Kyiv. The U.S. envoy's comments were made in the context of an agreement for Russia to release an American citizen, Stephen Hubbard, who had been imprisoned for fighting for Ukraine. Hubbard, a 74-year-old former teacher, was jailed in 2022.

Alexander, speaking to LBC, directly refuted Witkoff's assessment. "No, we don't," he stated when asked if the UK agreed with the description. "We see him as somebody who illegally invaded Ukraine at the start of this conflict, who has been responsible for conduct by his government that included attempted assassinations on UK soil. So we simply do not recognise the description of Vladimir Putin as a humanitarian."

Alexander affirmed the UK's continued support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the people of Ukraine. "In contrast, we are crystal clear that we stand foursquare behind Volodymyr Zelensky and the people of Ukraine in their battle for freedom."

In addition to the release of Hubbard, Moscow has also agreed in principle to resume peace talks with Ukraine and the United States. However, reports indicate no public shift in Russia's demands, and missile strikes on Kyiv have continued. Trump has publicly criticized Zelensky for targeting Russia's oil infrastructure, which has contributed to rising diesel prices in the U.S. due to the ongoing conflict in Iran. The U.S. president has reportedly dropped planned sanctions and reached a deal with Putin to supply diesel, a move that has raised concerns among Western allies.

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke with Finland's President Alexander Stubb regarding the situation in Ukraine. During their phone call, both leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum to end Russia's attacks and agreed that any peace settlement must include security guarantees for Ukraine and prevent the return of war to the European continent.