Backlash Grows Over Witkoff’s Praise for Putin: “I Want to Throw Up”

Steve Witkoff’s visit to Moscow began with a burst of praise for Vladimir Putin, prompting concern and sharp online reactions. President Donald Trump’s special envoy for peace traveled to the Kremlin this week with Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, for talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.

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I would like to tell you that we are comfortable working with you and, of course, we have a very high level of trust during this work.

According to a text published on the Kremlin website, Putin acknowledged that the situation the sides needed to resolve was difficult. He then praised the American team, saying the quality of mediation and trust in those involved were crucial. “I would like to tell you that we are comfortable working with you and, of course, we have a very high level of trust during this work,” Putin said.

Witkoff thanked Putin for the invitation. He said he, Kushner and Kirill Dmitriev had been sitting outside before Yuri Ushakov joined them, discussing the stories and memories they would have after retirement. “Your story will be at the top of it all,” Witkoff told Putin.

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So, first of all, President Putin, thank you very much for inviting us.

Dmitriev and Ushakov are senior figures close to Putin. Yet Witkoff’s remarks, rather than any promise of a possible peace agreement, dominated the internet reaction. Ukrainian journalist Illia Ponomarenko responded to the video with the words, “I want to throw up.”

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We were all talking about how, when we retire, we will have all these incredible stories and incredible memories, and yours will be at the top of it all.

The White House said the American delegation and Putin discussed “extensive plans for next steps” on Saturday. The details remained unclear, while the Huffington Post reported that an announcement was expected in the coming weeks.

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I want to throw up.