Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson recently interviewed Russian President Vladimir Putin, shedding light on Putin’s views on Russian history and its relationship with Ukraine.
On February 6, the two-hour, seven-minute interview took place in Moscow, marking Putin’s first engagement with a Western media figure since the Ukraine invasion in February 2022.
Ukraine’s Status and Putin’s Stance
Putin reiterated his stance that Ukraine, in his opinion, is not a genuine country but a product of Soviet leader Josef Stalin’s influence.
When Carlson proposed allowing jailed Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich to return to the US as a gesture of goodwill, Putin expressed dissatisfaction, citing a lack of reciprocity from the West.
Putin’s Views on Ukraine Conflict
Diplomacy and Weapons Supply
When questioned about contacting President Joe Biden to find a solution for the Ukraine conflict, Putin dismissed the idea, stating, “What’s there to work out?” He suggested that stopping weapon supplies would swiftly end the conflict.
Putin claimed that peace talks had advanced significantly at one point but lamented a lack of finalization.
Putin’s Concerns about Genetic Advances and AI
During the interview, Putin highlighted the rapid changes in the world, comparing them to the collapse of the Roman Empire. He emphasized the need for global consideration of genetic research and artificial intelligence (AI). Putin even mentioned the potential creation of a “superman” through genetics and Elon Musk’s brain-chip experiment.
He proposed using Cold War-era nuclear arms control treaties as a guide for regulating the uncontrolled development of AI and genetics.
Putin’s Insights on Ukraine War
Historical Context and Failed Peace Deal
After providing a half-hour lecture on the history of Russia and Ukraine dating back to 862, Putin revealed that a potential peace deal in Istanbul was almost agreed upon shortly after the war began in 2022. However, Ukraine, influenced by the West, particularly then-British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, rejected the deal.
Putin urged the West and Ukraine to consider peaceful negotiations, emphasizing Russia’s readiness for dialogue.
He questioned the necessity for the United States to heavily arm Ukraine, characterizing the conflict as somewhat similar to a “civil war.” Putin questioned the motives behind the U.S.’ significant involvement, pointing out the distance from its territory and the presence of mercenaries from the United States, Poland, and Georgia fighting for Ukraine.