MOSCOW: In a candid interview with Tucker Carlson, President Vladimir Putin asserted Russia’s strength in Ukraine, emphasizing the West’s inability to defeat his country.
Putin’s remarks, aired just ahead of the two-year mark since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, touched on various contentious issues, including the imprisonment of journalist Evan Gershkovich, whom he labeled a spy. While discussing geopolitical tensions, Putin conveyed a message to US lawmakers, urging them to cease military aid to Ukraine if genuine peace is sought.
During the interview, Putin addressed concerns about potential future conflicts, dismissing any notions of Russian aggression towards neighboring NATO members like Poland and Latvia. He emphasized Russia’s lack of interest in such hostilities and labeled such fears as mere “threat mongering.” Putin also touched upon the US political landscape, suggesting minimal change regardless of the outcome of the upcoming presidential election.
Despite Carlson’s occasional questioning, the interview primarily served as a platform for Putin to express his views unchallenged, particularly on matters concerning Russia’s foreign policy and its relationship with the United States. The conversation underscored the contrasting approaches of US political figures towards Russia, with Putin’s remarks highlighting the stark differences between former President Donald Trump’s admiration for him and President Joe Biden’s firm stance against Russian aggression.
