Tucker Carlson, the former Fox News anchor, has released a lengthy interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin, delving into the rationale behind Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The video, spanning over two hours, marks the first occasion in nearly two years that a Western journalist has had the opportunity to interview Putin amidst the ongoing conflict.
In the introduction to the video, Carlson explained that the interview primarily focuses on the war in Ukraine, its origins, current status, and potential resolutions. He disclosed that the initial question posed to Putin about the motivation behind the invasion led to a lengthy discourse spanning Russia’s history dating back centuries. Despite initial skepticism, Carlson noted that the responses appeared sincere and reflective of Putin’s beliefs regarding Russia’s historical claims to parts of western Ukraine.
The interview, conducted at the Kremlin in Moscow, was announced by Carlson on Tuesday, coinciding with the interview’s filming. Carlson asserted that no Western journalist had previously attempted to interview Putin amid the conflict, a claim disputed by the Kremlin, which stated it had declined multiple interview requests from Western publications. Furthermore, Russia’s crackdown on the dissemination of “false information” about the military has led to increased restrictions on media coverage, complicating journalists’ access to information within the country.
During the interview, Carlson broached the subject of imprisoned Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, expressing hope for his release. Putin responded by emphasizing Russia’s desire for reciprocal gestures of goodwill from the United States. When questioned about geopolitical alliances, Putin offered a more abstract response, likening the world to a single entity divided into two hemispheres and advocating for global unity and shared security.
The full interview was made available for free viewing on the Tucker Carlson Network, a digital platform launched by Carlson following his departure from Fox News. Described as an “alternative to legacy media,” the network aims to provide viewers with diverse perspectives on current events.
Carlson’s interview with Putin offers insights into the mindset of the Russian leader amid escalating tensions with Ukraine, shedding light on the complexities of the conflict and potential paths towards resolution.