- President Donald Trump supported remarks by special envoy Steve Witkoff calling Russian dictator Vladimir Putin a “humanitarian” following the release of an American detainee.
- Asked about the exchange and pressed on whether he agreed with Witkoff, Trump offered a qualified “yes” to the query. “Well, I guess you could say for that particular purpose, for the purpose of allowing a man who was thinking he was going to be in prison for life out. But you know, I I wouldn't say anything one way or the other,” he said.
- Russia released 74-year-old American Stephen Hubbard, who was serving a sentence in a penal colony after being accused of fighting on behalf of Ukraine. President Trump stated that Hubbard was freed at his direct request without requiring a prisoner swap or concessions from the United States.
- During his comments, President Trump falsely claimed that Russia has not gotten involved with Iran despite the well-documented ties between both governments.
- Special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Putin in St. Petersburg to discuss ending the war in Europe, raising concerns among allies about US support for Ukraine.
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