Select Language:
White House Envoy Praises Putin, Discusses Trump During Moscow Meeting
WASHINGTON: Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, has expressed high regard for Russian President Vladimir Putin, describing him as a reliable leader. Witkoff revealed that Putin had shared a personal account of praying for his "friend," U.S. President Donald Trump, following an assassination attempt on him.
During a recent multi-hour meeting in Moscow, the envoy characterized the discussions as constructive and aimed at identifying solutions to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In a conversation with conservative podcast host Tucker Carlson, which aired on Friday, Witkoff spoke highly of Putin, saying he no longer views him as a "bad guy." He portrayed the Russian leader as a "great" individual who genuinely wants to resolve the violent war that has been ongoing for three years between Russia and Ukraine.
"I liked him. I felt he was honest with me," Witkoff stated. He acknowledged the complexities surrounding the war, emphasizing that it is a multifaceted issue.
Additionally, Witkoff recounted a personal moment from his discussion with Putin, where the Russian leader reminisced about his reaction to the attack on Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July 2024. "He told me a story about how, when the president was shot, he went to his local church, met with his priest, and prayed for the president," Witkoff explained, highlighting Putin’s motivation for praying was friendship, not political gain.
Witkoff also revealed that Putin had commissioned a "beautiful portrait of President Trump from a prominent Russian artist" and asked Witkoff to deliver it to Trump, calling it "such a gracious moment."
This enthusiastic endorsement of Putin, who has typically been seen as an adversarial autocrat by the U.S., underscores the significant shift in Washington’s diplomatic approach since Trump began his second term.
Witkoff further noted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is facing challenging decisions ahead and should consider negotiating a peace deal with Moscow. "Zelensky is in a very, very tough position, but he’s up against a nuclear power," Witkoff remarked. "He must recognize that now is the best time for him to secure an agreement."
Witkoff’s remarks were delivered in a friendly environment, as Tucker Carlson, a former Fox News host, is known for his controversial stance and previously conducted a notably mild interview with Putin. Carlson has also been influential in promoting pro-Kremlin narratives in the United States.
Add us on ChatGPT
Add us on Perplexity
