Washington DC - President Donald Trump recently defended special envoy Steve Witkoff after he made controversial comments in praise of Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

On Wednesday, Putin announced the release of Stephen Hubbard, an American taken captive by Russian forces years ago, during a meeting with Witkoff, who heaped praise on the Russian leader and deemed him a "humanitarian."

Later that day, Trump was asked whether he agreed with Witkoff's description, to which he responded, "Yes."

"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," Trump explained. "But you know, I wouldn't say anything one way or the other."

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The president went on to claim that Russia has "not gotten involved" in his ongoing war in Iran, even though the two countries have a longstanding relationship that has included selling weapons to one another.

Trump's comments come as Russia is in the fourth year of its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. While Putin has faced worldwide condemnation, Trump has often gone out of his way to win the leader's favor while repeatedly bucking Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Most recently, Trump struck a diesel deal with Putin that many critics argued helps to fund the invasion and does little to help mitigate high oil prices in the US.

Witkoff has been facing heavy criticism over his compliment to Putin – even from his own party.

Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina called the remarks "embarrassing and outrageous," and urged Witkoff to "go back to Ukraine and ask the families of the children Putin has kidnapped and murdered whether they agree your friend Putin is a 'humanitarian.'"

Republican Senator John Cornyn of Texas, meanwhile, sought to correct Witkoff, insisting," No. Putin is stone cold killer."

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Despite the criticism, the Trump administration appears adamant in standing by Witkoff.

During a press conference on Wednesday, Vice President JD Vance was also asked about the comments, and he gave a similar answer to the president.

"I agree with Steve Witkoff saying something nice to a person who just released an American hostage," he said.

Vance went on to say the comments don't concern him and argued that "we should all be celebrating... not complaining about what Witkoff said to get it done."