Reverberations persist after Tucker Carlson's unchallenged interview with Vladimir Putin

An interview lasting over two hours circulated online last Thursday, in which Russian leader Vladimir Putin spoke to "journalist" Tucker Carlson. The American commentator is renowned for his pro-Russian and pro-Putin viewpoints. He specifically travelled to Moscow to talk to Putin.

The conversation was recorded last Tuesday, and was extensively covered by Russian state media. Russians interpret this high-profile coverage as a measure of success.

The interview covered a broad range of topics. These included the war in Ukraine, ongoing diplomatic discussions, prospective Russian aggression towards NATO, as well as a skewed version of European history, as presented by Putin.

The Kremlin used the conversation for propagandist purposes, as evident when they published the Russian language version of the interview on their official websites.

CNN reports that throughout the course of the two-hour conversation, Tucker Carlson refrained from asking demanding questions, or challenging Putin's false and propagandist narratives. They suggest that this omission was entirely intentional.

"Those hoping for rigorously contested dialogue were invariably disappointed by the protracted and confused interview, in which, at times, Tucker Carlson appeared thoroughly disoriented," mentioned CNN.

CNN also highlighted that Carlson, rather than scrutinising the Kremlin leader on significant issues, such as allegations of Russian war crimes or the imprisonment of opposition figure, Alexei Navalny; instead, he "provided the autocrat with full latitude to manipulate public opinion and present his own interpretation of history".

Additionally read: A single drone, two tanks destroyed. The Russians could only bear witness

This past Saturday, Belsat drew attention to Putin's comportment via social media during one interview segment. Their interpretation was astounded.

Did he make an error? Or is this simply Putin's characteristic manner of speaking and responding to questions? - was posted on Service X (previously known as Twitter).

So what exactly did the Russian leader say? - "So you're agreeing once again. This is utter nonsense, damn it. Who are we meant to negotiate with in the West? I truly do not comprehend. We are ready to engage in discussions, but with whom?" - exclaimed Vladimir Putin. Clearly exasperated and apparently at his wit's end due to the isolation he is experiencing following his aggression against Ukraine.