Downing Street Rejects Trump Negotiator's Characterization of Putin as 'Humanitarian'
Source Summary
Steve Witkoff, Donald Trump's chief negotiator on Ukraine, met Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg on Wednesday to advance efforts to end the Russian invasion. Downing Street rejected Witkoff's description of Putin as a 'humanitarian,' stating that the Russian president 'has killed thousands of people, both innocent Ukrainians and his own people.' The US is reportedly pressuring Kyiv to agree to a settlement.
Why it matters
The disagreement reflects tensions between the US and UK over characterizing Putin and the terms of a potential Ukraine settlement as diplomatic negotiations intensify.
What remains uncertain
The outcome of Witkoff's negotiations with Putin and the likelihood of Kyiv accepting a US-proposed settlement remain unclear.
