Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson of Iowa sharply condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday, labeling him a “murderer” and insisting the United States must not strike deals with Moscow. Appearing on ABC News’s “This Week,” Hinson, who is running for the Senate, was responding to recent comments by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, who had called Putin a “humanitarian” during a meeting in St. Petersburg.
“He’s not a humanitarian, he is a murderer,” Hinson said. “I don’t think we should be making deals with murderers and dictators, and that’s why I stood up for Ukraine.” She framed the conflict as a struggle between democracy and authoritarianism, adding, “We should not be allowing a dictator to win.”
Hinson, a vocal supporter of Ukraine, recounted her own visit to the country and meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky, describing Ukrainians as “incredibly resilient.” She reiterated her opposition to engaging with the Kremlin, noting her vote in favor of a sanctions package targeting Russia. That legislation was later undercut when President Donald Trump waived sanctions on Russia weeks afterward, a move that drew bipartisan criticism.
“And, frankly, I’ve been banned from going [to Russia], so I think that sends a very clear message about my approach to Russia,” Hinson said. She stressed the need to end overseas conflicts quickly but warned against emboldening autocrats: “I don’t think anybody likes forever wars, but certainly we cannot be empowering dictators to win more.”
Host Jonathan Karl pressed Hinson on her differences with Trump, noting two clear policy splits. Hinson said she confronts the president directly. “You challenge him in person, right?” she said. “And that’s exactly what I’ve done. I’m not afraid to tell him when I think he’s wrong on something. And again, when he’s right, I will be the fiercest ally for someone. And I think that’s how Iowans expect you to do your job. They don’t like empty rhetoric.”
Witkoff’s praise of Putin triggered widespread backlash, including from within his own party. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) reacted on social media with a blunt “WTF, Steve?” The special envoy had been in Russia to secure the release of American teacher Stephen Hubbard, but his comments overshadowed that diplomatic win.
Trump’s executive order waiving sanctions was also controversial. The president linked the waiver to Hubbard’s release, claiming on Truth Social that “if sanctions would have been placed, certainly those negotiations would have come to a complete and total halt.” He also said he received “numerous” apologies from critics after the fact.
The sanctions waiver came alongside a separate deal with the Kremlin to import Russian diesel, ostensibly to ease energy prices amid the Iran conflict. That arrangement drew sharp condemnation, with five House Republicans signing a letter urging Trump to cancel it.
Hinson’s remarks highlight a growing intra-party rift over how to handle Russia, with some Republicans backing Trump’s conciliatory approach and others—particularly those with strong national security credentials—demanding a tougher line. As Russia continues its assault on Ukraine, Hinson’s stance positions her as a hawkish voice in the Senate race, appealing to voters who want the U.S. to stand firm against Moscow.
