Vance defends Witkoff after envoy praised Putin in prisoner release
What's new: Vance said he backed the remark because Witkoff's priority was bringing home an American jailed in Russia for more than four years.
Vice President JD Vance defended U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff on Wednesday after Witkoff called Russian President Vladimir Putin a "humanitarian" while thanking him for releasing an American prisoner. The comment drew backlash from some Republicans, but Vance argued the envoy was focused on securing the American's freedom, not making a broader judgment about Putin. Vance called Witkoff "a diplomat" and said he was in Russia to get a job done. "I care much less about what Steve said than about the fact that he is bringing an American hostage home to his family," Vance said.