DOWNING STREET REJECTS WITKOFF PRAISE OF PUTIN , CITING UKRAINE WAR DEATHS

What happened: Downing Street rejected U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff's description of Vladimir Putin as a humanitarian, with a spokesperson saying Britain does not recognise that characterisation. Why it matters: The spokesperson blamed Putin for thousands of deaths in Ukraine. Witkoff's remark had already drawn criticism from Republican lawmakers, and Britain said discussions with partners on Ukraine would continue.

Downing Street rejected U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff's description of Vladimir Putin as a humanitarian, with a spokesperson saying Britain does not recognise that characterisation.

The spokesperson blamed Putin for thousands of deaths in Ukraine. Witkoff's remark had already drawn criticism from Republican lawmakers, and Britain said discussions with partners on Ukraine would continue.