In a recent interview, Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted that Russia has no intention of extending its conflict in Ukraine to other countries, including Poland and Latvia. This marks Putin’s first interview with an American journalist since before the invasion of Ukraine nearly two years ago.
“We are ready for this dialogue,” Putin stated, acknowledging the challenges of achieving a strategic defeat against Russia as recognized by Western leaders.
During the interview, which lasted over two hours with conservative talk-show host Tucker Carlson and aired on tuckercarlson.com, Putin discussed the possibility of an agreement for the release of U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich of the Wall Street Journal, who has been detained in Russia on spying charges.
Responding to a question about deploying Russian troops to Poland, a NATO member, Putin clarified, “Only in one case, if Poland attacks Russia. We have no interest in Poland, Latvia, or anywhere else.”
Putin spoke in Russian, with his remarks dubbed into English. He also addressed the stalled negotiations with Ukraine, particularly the failed talks in Istanbul in April 2022, and the impact of Russia’s withdrawal from near Kyiv.
Addressing the U.S., Putin suggested, “Wouldn’t it be better to negotiate with Russia? Make an agreement.” He emphasized Russia’s determination to defend its interests to the end. The U.S., having provided over $110 billion in aid to Ukraine since the invasion, has expressed no interest in discussions based on Putin’s terms.
Putin’s last formal interview with a U.S. media outlet was in October 2021 with CNBC’s Hadley Gamble.
