Putin a 'humanitarian'? Jennings defends Witkoff, NewsNight panel erupts

At the request of US special envoy Steve Witkoff during their three-hour meeting on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he would be willing to resume talks with Ukraine and the United States after November 10. But the latest diplomatic push – during which Witkoff controversially called Putin a “humanitarian” because he freed a detained American citizen – was followed by an attack on Ukraine involving 21 missiles and 210 drones.

Abby Phillip's "NewsNight" panel reacts, with CNN senior political commentator Scott Jennings defending Witkoff's remarks. Also, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) takes exception to Witkoff's comments, calling them "disgusting" and calling Putin "a butcher."

0:00 US special envoy Steve Witkoff's comments to Putin spark backlash
1:10 President Trump and VP Vance dismiss outrage over Witkoff's characterization
1:45 Scott Jennings: "In a diplomatic setting, you often exchange pleasantries"
3:18 Leigh McGowan: "Capitulation to a literal dictator is not diplomacy"
8:51 Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT): "He is offering Witkoff...business deals with Russia"

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