Russian President Vladimir Putin’s interview with American journalist Tucker Carlson created widespread controversy in the West even before it was aired. American billionaire Elon Musk announced an unprecedented surge in downloads of the “X” app following the announcement of the interview. Since Carlson posted a video announcing his arrival in Moscow to conduct an interview with President Putin, he has become one of the most famous media figures in both the American and Russian political landscapes. The video, featuring Carlson against the backdrop of the Kremlin towers and the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow, has garnered over 100 million views, with 5.2 million views in just one hour after its release.
In the interview with Putin, several key points were discussed:
• Putin stated that Russia and Ukraine would eventually reach an agreement.
• Putin acknowledged that Russia has not yet achieved its objectives in Ukraine.
• Putin mentioned that Western countries have options on how to recognize Russian control over new territories.
• On the topic of who sabotaged the Nord Stream pipeline, Putin accused the West.
• Putin emphasized that the world will change regardless of the outcome of the crisis in Ukraine.
• He mentioned that Elon Musk’s creativity cannot be stopped but should be engaged with.
• Putin claimed that despite sanctions, Russia became Europe’s leading economy in 2023.
• He discussed the historical context of Soviet Ukraine and its territorial gains, suggesting Ukraine is an artificial construct from the Stalin era.
• Putin denied discussing the return of Hungarian territories from Ukraine with the Hungarian Prime Minister.
• He highlighted the shared language, kinship, and religion as distinguishing features of Russian-Ukrainian relations.
• Putin suggested that the West fears a strong China more than a strong Russia.
• He criticized NATO’s expansion despite promises made to Russia and discussed Russia’s previous proposal to join NATO after the Soviet Union’s collapse.
• Putin commented on the historical hostilities with Poland and the impossibility of Russian forces entering Poland unless attacked.
• He accused the United States of supporting terrorists in Russia and considering them as opposition.
• Putin expressed readiness to supply gas to Europe through Nord Stream 2, but Germany was unwilling.
• He recalled proposing a joint air defense system with Washington during his visit to the United States.
• Putin described Ukraine as a vassal state of the United States and criticized the West’s handling of elections in Ukraine, especially when Yanukovych won.
