Conservative commentator Tucker Carlson announced on Tuesday that he has secured an interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which he plans to publish in the near future.
This sit-down will mark the first occasion in which a member of the Western media will interview the Russian president since the commencement of his country’s invasion of Ukraine and the ensuing conflict between the two nations.
“We are not encouraging you to agree with what Putin may say in this interview,” Carlson stated in a video posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “But we are urging you to watch it. You should know as much as you can. And then, like a free citizen and not a slave, you can decide for yourself.”
Although Carlson did not specify the exact release date of his interview with Putin, he criticized the American media and U.S. government during his four-minute announcement, condemning what he characterized as unquestioning support for Ukraine in its war effort.
For years, Carlson has been vocal in his criticism of U.S. involvement in the conflict, as well as of the Ukrainian government and its president, Volodymyr Zelensky. He also mentioned that he has requested an interview with Zelensky.
Speaking from a vantage point that appeared to be an elevated balcony in Moscow, Carlson acknowledged the inherent risks of conducting such an interview. He clarified that he and his crew funded the trip to Moscow independently and did not accept any financial assistance from government entities for their travel expenses.