As the long-standing Russia-Ukraine conflict still has not let off steam after almost two years, Russian President Vladimir Putin opened up about it in an interview on Thursday. Given the history of wars, many across the world feared that the war might expand to the Ukraine’s neighboring countries.
But with this interview with American conservative journalist Tucker Carlson, Putin has set the record straight. As he expansively spoke about the war with Carlson, the president also clarified that he agreed to do an interview with him because his approach differed from the “one-sided” reporting of the Ukraine conflict by many Western news outlets. Carlson is also considered to have close connections to Trump.
“We Have No Interest In Poland, Latvia, Or Anywhere Else”: Vladimir Putin Says Russia Would Not Expand The War
Vladimir Putin was speaking in his first interview with an American journalist since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine two years ago when he clarified his stance on the still ongoing conflict. The president said Russia will fight for its interests “to the end“, but has no interest in expanding its war in Ukraine to other countries such as Poland and Latvia.
Speaking with conservative talk show host Tucker Carlson, Putin also said that Western leaders had come to realize it was impossible to defeat Russia and were therefore wondering what to do next. He also asserted Russia’s readiness for dialogue. “We are ready for this dialogue,” he said.
The President also addressed the possibility of sending Russian troops to Poland, a NATO member. “Only in one case, if Poland attacks Russia. Why? Because we have no interest in Poland, Latvia, or anywhere else. Why would we do that? We simply don’t have any interest,” he said.
In the extensive interview, Putin said he believes that an agreement could be reached for the release of U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich who was detained in Russia for nearly a year on spying charges.
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“It Would Be Funny If It Were Not So Sad”: Putin Speaks About War Dealings With Ukraine
Speaking in Russian, Putin dedicated a significant part of his interview in Moscow to Ukraine and Russia’s relations with neighboring countries. He complained about Ukraine allegedly withdrawing from a potential deal to end hostilities in talks held in Istanbul in April 2022. He alleged that Ukraine backed away once Russian troops withdrew from near Kyiv
“Well now let them think how to reverse the situation,” he said referring to the situation on ground. “We’re not against it. It would be funny if it were not so sad that. This endless mobilization in Ukraine, the hysteria, the domestic problems, sooner or later it will result in an agreement,” he added.
Asserting that the US has more pressing domestic issues to worry about, Putin said, “Wouldn’t it be better to negotiate with Russia? Make an agreement. Already understanding the situation that is developing today, realizing that Russia will fight for its interests to the end.”
Responding to the U.S. domestic issues, Putin proposed negotiations with Russia. “Make an agreement. Already understanding the situation that is developing today, realizing that Russia will fight for its interests to the end,” he said.
The interview comes amid debates among U.S. lawmakers over additional funding for Ukraine’s war effort. Washington, which has sent Ukraine more than $110 billion in aid since Russia invaded in February 2022, has made clear it has no interest in talking on Putin’s terms
The interview also coincides with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s replacement of the army chief on the same day. Meanwhile, the upcoming US presidential elections will also have an impact on war as Trump has called for de-escalation of the war in Ukraine, in which the Biden administration has strongly backed the Zelenskiy government.
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