Vladimir Putin's first interview with a Western media figure since his full-scale invasion of Ukraine two years ago has been aired.
The Kremlin confirmed Wednesday that the Russian President has been interviewed by former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, a conservative commentator who in the past has widely promoted conspiracy theories and far-right rhetoric including opposing abortion care, and has sided with the disgraced former President, Donald Trump, as well as with Putin in multiple occasions.
Carlson was fired by Fox News in April after having spent more than a decade with the network, and went on to start his own streaming service where he conducts controversial interviews with prominent right-wing personalities, including Trump and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
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Now with the interview wound up, our Russian expert gives his verdict. Mr Giles said: "The encounter was as one-sided as expected, with Carlson giving Putin an open platform for over two hours of disinformation and delusion. The only slight surprise was that Carlson turned out to be a spectacularly poor interviewer even when trying to help Putin along."
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Putin has dramatically claimed that he once inquired about Russia joining NATO and was given a hard 'no' by then-President Bill Clinton.
Putin, who has been in power for nearly 20 years, told ex-Fox News Carlson: "At a meeting here in the Kremlin with the outgoing President Bill Clinton, right here in the next room, I said to him, I asked him: 'Bill, do you think if Russia asked to join NATO, do you think it would happen?' Suddenly he said, "You know, it's interesting. I think so.'"
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The controversial interview got off to a bizarre start - with viewers taken on a 30-minute history lecture.
The interview began with a lecture in Russian history from Putin, which began with a ramble about how the state was founded in year 862 when the townspeople of Novgorod invited a Virangian Prince Rurik from Scandinavia to reign.
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Putin said: "I think there's no stopping Elon Musk. He will do as he sees fit. Nevertheless, you'll need to find some common ground with him. Search for ways to persuade him. I think he's a smart person. I truly believe he is. So you'll need to reach an agreement with him because this process needs to be formalized and subjected to certain rules.
"Humanity has to consider what is going to happen due to the newest development in genetics or in AI? One can make an approximate prediction of what will happen."
Carlson looks on as Putin speaks Evan Gershkovich is an American journalist and reporter for The Wall Street Journal covering Russia. He was detained by Russia's security services on charges of spying in March 2023. It was the first time a journalist working for an American outlet has been arrested on charges of spying in Russia since the Cold War.
After the issue was brought up by Carlson, Putin said: "Mr. Gershkovich, may return to his motherland. But at the end of the day, it does not make any sense to keep him in prison in Russia. We want the U.S. Special Services to think about how they can contribute to achieving the goals our special services are pursuing.
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"We are ready to talk. Moreover, the talks are underway and there have been many successful examples of these talks crowned with success. Probably this is going to be crowned with success as well. But we have to come to an agreement."
Carlson had asked for Putin to give Mr Gershkovich to him and his team.
In a joking exchange, Carlson asks: "Who blew up Nord Stream?"
"You for sure," the Russian despot responded.
Carlson quips back: "I was busy that day. I did not blow up Nord Stream. Thank you though."
To this Putin responds: "You personally may have an alibi, but the CIA has no such alibi."
After a lengthy diatribe against Ukraine, Carlson asked: "Well, but you wouldn't be speaking to the Ukrainian president. You'd be speaking to the American president. When was the last time you spoke to Joe Biden?"
Putin responded: "Well, I cannot remember when I talked to him. I do not remember."
Putin said: "We would have never considered to even lift the finger if it hadn't been for the bloody developments on Maidan. Because we agreed with the fact that after the collapse of the Soviet Union, our borders should be along the borders of former union republics.
"We agreed to that, but we never agreed to NATO's expansion, and moreover, we never agreed that Ukraine would be in NATO."
Putin has dominated the airing so far. With Carlson saying little to challenge him In one of Carlson's rare interventions following mention of Bush Snr, he said: "So, twice you've described U.S. presidents making decisions and then being undercut by their agency heads. So it sounds like you're describing a system that's not run by the people who are elected, in your telling."
"That's right. That's right," Putin responded and then carried on with his history lesson.
The Russian despot said: "We were promised no NATO to the east. Not an inch.
"But then they said 'Its not enshrined on paper so we'll expand.' So there were five waves of expansion. The Baltic states, then whole of eastern Eruoper and so on. "
Putin tells Tucker Carlson that he asked then-President Bill Clinton about joining NATO but that Clinton shut down the conversation.
Carlson asks if Russia would have joined NATO and Putin says that could have happend.
Mr Giles says: "The first 35 minutes of the interview panned out exactly as predicted. It was a platform for Putin to give an extended monologue explaining the World According to Vladimir, based on a wildly distorted account of the past history of Russia and its neighbours - punctuated by occasional ineffectual efforts by Carlson to get back to doing an 'interview.'"
Half an hour into the interview and Putin's history lesson, stretching from Genghis Khan to the collapse of Yugoslavia, drags on. It's the world according to Vladimir with little challenge from Carlson who only speaks up to ask for a clarification of the odd date.
Carlson and Putin are carrying out the interview in a grand room in Moscow with a table between them. They are talking with the help of interpreters, Carlson speaking in English and Putin in Russian.
Carlson and Putin sitting opposite eachother Putin has launched into an extenisve history of Russia and Ukraine, and trying to explain why Ukraine is a historic part of Russia.
Carlson was quickly shown out of his depth, Mr Giles said. He explained: "It's plain that even though he is fully accustomed to interviewing deluded conspiracy theorists, Tucker Carlson wasn't prepared for Putin's alternative reality. Carlson is reduced to giggling helplessly in the first seconds of the interview when Putin denies ever saying the direct quote Carlson just read out to him."
The interview has now been published online on Carlson's website and on Twitter.
Carlson's interview with Putin serves them both Keir Giles, author and researcher studying Russia, told Mirror US: "Tucker Carlson's interview with Putin is good news for everybody involved. The only problem is, everybody involved is an enemy of the United States, of the West, of democracy and of genuine journalism.
"As so often, Vladimir Putin has found a willing helper in exploiting the self-harming behaviour of Western media outlets. The media frenzy around the interview in the West will provide an enormous boost to Carlson's new media company, and bring him many more viewers. That in turn will ensure that Putin's toxic messages reach a far wider audience than they would have done otherwise - endorsed and boosted by exposure on Elon Musk's X."
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced a new top general for the Ukrainian Armed forces. Writing on Telegram, General Oleksandr Syrskyi was named as the new commander-in-chief.
He wrote: "I am grateful to General Zaluzhnyy for two years of defense. I am thankful for every victory we have achieved together and thanks to all Ukrainian soldiers who heroically bear this war on themselves. We openly discussed today what changes are needed in the army. Urgent changes. I proposed to General Zaluzhny to continue together in the team of the Ukrainian state. I will be grateful for his consent."
He added: "Today, I also spoke with Generals Moisyuk and Zabrodskyy. Their experience is in service to the state.
"2024 can be successful for Ukraine only if effective changes are made in the foundation of our defense, which is the Armed Forces of Ukraine."
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses the media (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)The Tucker Carlson interview with Vladimir Putin is airing at 11PM UK time / 6PM NYC time
You can watch it below on Carlson's website or on his Twitter account, links below:
https://tuckercarlson.com/
https://twitter.com/TuckerCarlson
In his video announcing the interview, Carlson claimed not a “single Western journalist” has bothered to interview Putin since the invasion of Ukraine.
But Putin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, rejected Carlson‘s claims.
He said the Kremlin has had many requests from Western television channels and newspapers but claims they “take a one-sided position”.
Carlson‘s position “is in no way pro-Russian, nor pro-Ukrainian, but rather pro-American,” Peskov said.
Carlson has reportedly left Russia following his interview with Putin.
Photos seen online show the American journalist apparently on a night flight to Belgrade, Russian news agency Tass reported Thursday.
The interview is set to be aired at 6pm Eastern Time, 11pm in London.
Lawyer Ian Corzine has taken to X, formerly Twitter, to argue the interview could pose problems for Carlson. Although the interview may be legal, Corzine pointed to the "super broad" language of the Espionage Act.
Corzine warned that the language of the law "could be construed to prohibit any sharing of information with another country with intent to harm the US."
Despite this he explained the case for prosecution would be weak. He added: "Does Tucker Carlson have an intent to harm the US? This is where the Espionage Act case against Tucker gets weaker, and it gets even more weak when you consider that the U.S. government is duty bound to follow the dictates of the U.S. Constitution. The Constitution guarantees freedom of the press, and the U.S. Supreme Court has done everything it can to protect this provision and journalists."
Carlson left Fox News in April last year (Getty Images)While left-wing figures like Hillary Clinton have denouced the event, individuals on the other side of the aisle, like Candance Owens, have praised the ex-Fox host, dubbing him "brave." Carlson's interview is set to drop tonight at 6 p.m on X, formerly Twitter and Russian state media.
Candace Owens, far-right commentator, baselessly claimed that talking points of the interview were likely being circulated by the "propaganist" media before asserting that Carlson is " the bravest person in media"
A plethora of right-wing users flooded the comment section, showing support for Carlson and contempt for US President Joe Biden.
One account, named Cyber Journey, directly compared the two, appearing to view Putin as a lesser evil compared to President Biden
Tucker Carlson said US news coverage of the Russia-Ukraine war is rife with propaganda and the West holds "fawining pep sessions" for Ukraine President Vladimir Zelensky whenever he visits Washington.
Carlson aired out his gripes during his interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to the four minutes and 27 seconds of transcripts he released Wednesday on Rev.com, which is a transcription service. The ex-Fox host continued, saying Zelensky only agrees to visit the US to further his agenda of pulling the West into the conflct, while simultaneously persuading Biden to approve more aid packages and weapons.
"That is not journalism. It is government propaganda, propaganda of the ugliest kind, the kind that kills people."
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has said ahead of a press briefing, hours before Vladimir Putin's interview is published, that Tucker Carlson "does not need protection from Russia". He added that the conservative commentator "can stand up for himself," and that, "in addition to the not entirely sane, sane voices are also heard" in the US.
Vladimir Putin's spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has released comments ahead of the publication of the Russian President's interview with Tucker Carlson. He said: "The person of Carlson itself, his visit to Russia and interview with Putin is an event that caused a special resonance" both in the US and in Russia, and "sometimes going off scale."
The Kremlin said it expects that the interview "will be read and analyzed for more than one day," and the reaction will be "very, very varied". They added: "The main thing is that there is one. It is important for us that as many people in the world as possible become familiar with the worldview and point of view of the head of the Russian state."
The Kremlin added that the interview will be uploaded on the Russian government's website both in Russian and English on Friday morning, while they noted that "the time will still be determined." "Of course, this will be after it is published on Carlson’s resources," they added.
It's important that 'Putin's worldview is heard' the Kremlin said (Zuma Press/PA Images)Hillary Clinton has said Tucker Carlson is a "useful idiot" for interviewing Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The conservative ex-Fox News commentator is expected to publish an interview with Putin at 6pm EST (11pm GMT) today. The controversial interview is seen with suspicion as Carlson has previously sided against the provision of aid to Ukraine following Russia's invasion.
In an interview with MSNBC, Hilary Clinton said of Carlson: "If you actually read translations of what is being said on Russian media, they make fun of him …he's like a puppy dog. He says things that are not true. He parrots Vladimir Putin's pack of lies about Ukraine, so I don't see why Putin wouldn't give him an interview." She added: "I would not be surprised if he emerges with a contract with a Russian outlet, because he is a useful idiot."
The news about the interview comes as Carlson has planted himself on former President Donald Trump's side in a growing split in the Republican party over Putin and the Ukraine war.
Trump has pushed to cut off aid to Ukraine, and the GOP majority controlling the House of Representatives has complied. While many Republicans are critical of the Russian president and his invasion, Trump and others have argued the US has no interest in helping Ukraine defend itself.
While he was still on Fox News, Tucker Carlson had gone on a rant wondering "why [someone] would hate Putin so much," hinting towards his support for the Kremlin's agenda.
Tucker: It may be worth asking yourself⦠why do I hate Putin.. Has Putin ever called me a racist? Has he threatened to get me fired for disagreeing with him? pic.twitter.com/0jlXfS0PYy
— Acyn (@Acyn) February 23, 2022
Back in August 2023, Tucker Carlson through his own broadcasting network interviewed Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. During their sprawling interview, Orbán suggested that the only path to ending the war in Ukraine would be the reelection of Donald Trump to the US presidency.
Although Trump faces criminal charges for allegedly trying to overturn the 2020 election, returning the former president to office would be “the only way out” of the conflict, Orbán argued, calling any suggestion that Ukraine could defeat Russia “a lie.” “The Russians are far stronger, far more numerous than the Ukrainians,” Hungary’s prime minister said. “Call back Trump. … Trump is the man who can save the Western world.”
Orbán, in office since 2010, has long been criticized for overseeing an increasingly autocratic political system. The European Union, as well as the US State Department and numerous international observers, have alleged that Orbán has rolled back minority rights, seized control of the judiciary and media, and manipulated the election system to ensure his hold on power.
A member of the European Parliament asserts that Tucker Carlson could potentially face sanctions for providing Vladimir Putin a platform through his upcoming interview, scheduled for release today.
Concerns have arisen among European Union lawmakers following the conservative commentator's recent discussion with the Russian President. Carlson, known for his conservative viewpoints and past association with Fox News, announced the interview following his visit to Russia earlier this week.
European Parliament members, including former Belgian prime minister Guy Verhofstadt, have expressed apprehension regarding Carlson's perceived alignment with Putin's agenda. Verhofstadt has advocated for possible sanctions against Carlson, branding him as a "mouthpiece" for both Putin and former US President Donald Trump.
Tucker Carlson speaks to Russian fan about his interview with PutinThe spokesperson for the Kremlin, Dmitry Peskov, confirmed that the Russian President was interviewed by Carlson in person during a press conference. However, when asked, Peskov declined to provide any information about the preparation that led to this meeting, including whether the American journalist was quarantined before meeting with Putin. "I have nothing to tell you about the details," Peskov said when asked.
Additionally, when asked about Tucker Carlson's plan to also interview Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, Peskov stated that he could not comment on the intentions of the American journalist. "This is already a matter for the Kyiv regime, they give a lot of interviews," Peskov added, per Russian news agency Interfax.