In a rare and candid
interview, Russian President Vladimir Putin sat down with former Fox News host
Tucker Carlson to discuss a range of topics. The two-hour, seven-minute
conversation, recorded on February 6, 2024, marked Putin’s first interview with
a Western media figure since the invasion of Ukraine began in February 2021.
Here are the key highlights from their exchange:
1. Ukraine: A “Not Real” Country?
Putin wasted no time
diving into the contentious issue of Ukraine. He reiterated his argument that
Ukraine wasn’t a legitimate country, claiming it was shaped by the “will” of
Soviet leader Josef Stalin. When Carlson pressed him on this, Putin stood firm,
dismissing Ukraine’s sovereignty and historical identity. His stance reflects
the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with the conflict showing no
signs of resolution.
2. Jailed Journalist Evan Gershkovich
Carlson raised the case
of Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter who was arrested in Russia
while doing his job and accused of espionage. Carlson appealed to Putin for
Gershkovich’s release, suggesting it would be a goodwill gesture. However, Putin’s
response was unequivocal: His goodwill had run out, citing the lack of
reciprocity from the West. The Russian leader’s refusal underscores the
complexities of diplomatic relations and the high stakes involved in such
negotiations.
3. Peace Talks and Weapons Supply
When Carlson asked why
Putin didn’t directly engage with President Joe Biden to find a solution for
Ukraine, Putin retorted, “What’s there to work out?” He urged the West to stop
supplying weapons to Ukraine, asserting that doing so would end the conflict
within weeks. He also claimed that peace talks had nearly reached a high level
of coordination before stalling. His words echo the Trump-era sentiment of
prioritizing military strength over diplomatic dialogue.
4. Boris Johnson’s Role
Putin didn’t shy away
from controversy, accusing former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson of sabotaging
peace negotiations. According to Putin, a “huge document” had been prepared and
approved by the head of the Ukrainian delegation, but Johnson intervened, preventing
a potential resolution. Johnson has previously dismissed these claims as “total
nonsense” and "Russian propaganda"12.
5. Ukraine as a “Satellite State”
In a final twist, Putin
labeled Ukraine as a “satellite state of the US,” blaming the West for the
failed peace talks. He emphasized that Russia was willing to negotiate but
accused the Western side of obstruction. The geopolitical chessboard remains
complex, with Ukraine caught in the crossfire of great power rivalry.
The Putin-Carlson
interview sheds light on the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, the challenges faced by
journalists, and the delicate dance of diplomacy. As the world watches,
tensions persist, and the fate of a nation hangs in the balance.
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