MOSCOW, Russia – Russian President Vladimir Putin recently sat down for an interview with Tucker Carlson, a well-known conservative journalist from the United States. During the two-hour conversation, which marked Putin’s first interview with a Western reporter since the Ukraine invasion began, the Russian leader discussed various topics, including the conflict in Ukraine and the relationship between Russia and the United States.
Putin’s decision to choose Carlson for this exclusive interview was intentional. The journalist has expressed controversial views on the Russia-Ukraine war, referring to it as a “border dispute” and advocating for the reduction of U.S. aid to Ukraine. Carlson’s alignment with Putin’s views seemed apparent as he did not challenge the Russian president on his claims.
During the interview, Putin asserted that ending the conflict in Ukraine is simple and suggested that the U.S. should cease supplying weapons to Ukraine. He also insinuated that the CIA was responsible for an explosion in the Baltic Sea that damaged the Nord Stream natural gas pipeline from Russia to Germany.
Aside from discussions about Ukraine, Putin also delved into a historical narrative regarding the origins of Ukraine and Russia, asserting Russia’s historical ties to Kyivan Rus and dismissing the legitimacy of modern-day Ukraine. While some may find Putin’s historical narrative uninteresting, for Ukrainians, it serves as a menacing reminder that the Kremlin denies Ukraine’s right to exist.
The interview also touched on Putin’s claims that Ukraine is an artificial state created by Soviet dictator Josef Stalin and his suggestion that Hungary has the right to reclaim certain territories. These assertions have drawn comparisons to Hitler’s annexations in Eastern Europe, leading some observers to predict a harsh response from Western countries and increased military aid to Ukraine.
For Ukrainians, the interview served as a demonstration of Putin’s determination to subjugate and annihilate their country. While Russian observers viewed the interview as a PR stunt to depict Russia as a nation not entirely isolated from the civilized world.
The timing of the interview coincided with a significant development in Ukraine’s political landscape, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing conflict.
The interview has elicited mixed reactions from different stakeholders. While some view it as a display of weakness, for others, it presents an opportunity to scrutinize and understand the mindset of the Russian president. Regardless of varying interpretations, the interview carries implications for the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.