Exclusive: Tucker Carlson Interviews Vladimir Putin

Added: Feb 9, 2024

Putin's Historical Justification

Putin embarks on a detailed historical narrative to justify Russia's actions, tracing back to the 8th century. He emphasizes the deep-rooted connections between Russia and Ukraine, highlighting significant events such as the baptism of Russia in 988 and the complex political and territorial evolutions that followed. Putin argues that these historical ties substantiate Russia's claim to certain Ukrainian territories. He meticulously outlines the fragmentation of the Russian state, the Mongol invasion, and the eventual reconsolidation of Russian lands, including Kiev, under Moscow's influence.

He delves into the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth's attempts to Polonize Ukrainian territories and the subsequent resistance from the local population, leading to their appeal to Moscow for protection. Putin references historical documents to support his claims about the voluntary integration of these territories into the Russian Empire. He also touches upon the role of the Austrian general staff and Polish authorities in promoting Ukrainian nationalism, which, according to Putin, aimed to weaken Russia.

The Soviet Era and Ukraine's Formation

Putin discusses the formation of the Soviet Union and the establishment of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic. He criticizes Lenin's decision to grant Soviet republics the right to secede and Stalin's redistribution of territories, which included transferring historically Russian lands to Ukraine. The narrative covers the expansion of Ukrainian territory following World War II and the Soviet policy of Ukrainization, which Putin views as an artificial enhancement of a distinct Ukrainian identity.

The Collapse of the Soviet Union and Its Aftermath

The interview shifts focus to the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, which Putin describes as a pivotal moment that led to the loss of territories Russia had "generously bestowed" on Ukraine. He expresses bafflement at the Russian leadership's decisions at the time, suggesting that they underestimated the significance of ideological and cultural ties between Russia and Ukraine. Putin argues that Russia expected the "civilized West" to recognize and respect these historical bonds, fostering cooperation rather than confrontation.

Putin's Perspective on NATO and the West

Putin articulates a sense of betrayal by the West, particularly NATO's eastward expansion, which he perceives as a direct threat to Russia's security. He criticizes the West's failure to appreciate Russia's voluntary and proactive steps towards dismantling the Soviet Union as an overture for peace and collaboration. Instead, Putin contends, the West exploited the situation to encircle and weaken Russia, ignoring the historical, cultural, and economic ties that bind Russia and Ukraine.

He recalls the assurances given that NATO would not expand "an inch to the east," yet observes that this promise was broken, leading to five waves of NATO expansion towards Russia's borders. Putin expresses frustration over the West's disregard for Russia's security concerns, highlighting the enlargement of NATO as a significant factor in deteriorating relations between Russia and the West.

Russia's Expectations Post-Soviet Union Collapse

Reflecting on the aftermath of the Soviet Union's collapse, Putin notes Russia's initial optimism about integrating into the Western-led international order. He mentions efforts to adopt market economy principles and democratize its political system, expecting a warm welcome into the "brotherly family of civilized nations." However, Putin laments that instead of inclusion, Russia faced exclusion and suspicion, particularly with NATO's expansion, which he interprets as a lack of trust and respect from the West.

The West's Perception of Russia and China

Putin discusses the West's differing attitudes towards Russia and China, attributing it to their respective potentials and threats they pose. He argues that the West perceives China's rise with caution due to its economic prowess and population size, whereas Russia, despite having a smaller population and economy, is seen as a significant security threat, especially in the context of its military capabilities and strategic position.

The Yugoslav Conflict and NATO's Intervention

The conversation shifts to the Yugoslav conflict, where Putin criticizes NATO's intervention in Yugoslavia, particularly the bombing of Belgrade without UN authorization. He views this as a pivotal moment that exacerbated tensions between Russia and the West, revealing a disregard for international law and Russia's concerns. Putin also touches upon the West's support for separatist movements within Russia, further straining relations.

Russia's Proposal for Joint Missile Defense

Putin recounts a proposal he made to the U.S. for a joint missile defense system, which was initially received with interest but ultimately rejected. He interprets this rejection as another instance of the West's unwillingness to engage with Russia on equal terms, pushing Russia to develop its hypersonic missile systems in response to perceived threats from the unilateral deployment of missile defense systems by the U.S.

The Ukrainian Crisis and NATO's Role

The discussion delves into the complex issue of Ukraine, where Putin outlines the historical ties and strategic importance of Ukraine to Russia. He criticizes the West's support for the 2014 Maidan revolution, viewing it as a coup that destabilized Ukraine and threatened Russian interests, particularly in Crimea and the Donbas region. Putin argues that the West's actions in Ukraine, including the push for NATO membership, disregarded Russia's security concerns and historical connections, leading to the current conflict.

The Trigger for the Current Conflict

Putin identifies the 2014 coup in Ukraine as the critical trigger for the ongoing conflict, emphasizing the West's role in supporting the opposition against President Yanukovych. He criticizes the European guarantors of the agreement between Yanukovych and the opposition for abandoning their commitments following the coup. Putin argues that the West's actions left Russia with no choice but to protect its interests and the Russian-speaking population in Ukraine, leading to the annexation of Crimea and support for separatists in the Donbas region.

Putin suggests that the CIA played a significant role in orchestrating this coup. He argues that the political and military actions taken by the West were unnecessary and that the situation could have been resolved legally, without loss of life or territory.

Minsk Agreements and the Failure of Diplomacy

The discussion moves to the Minsk agreements, which were designed to peacefully resolve the conflict in Donbas following the 2014 events. Putin criticizes the current Ukrainian leadership for refusing to implement these agreements and accuses former leaders of Germany and France of never intending to follow through with them. He expresses frustration with the West's militarization of Ukraine and the lack of genuine dialogue to prevent the escalation of the conflict.

Denazification and Nationalism

Putin delves into the issue of denazification, accusing Ukraine of glorifying figures who collaborated with Nazi Germany during World War II. He argues that this form of nationalism, which he equates with neo-Nazism, is dangerous and must be eradicated. He insists that Russia's actions are aimed at protecting ethnic Russians and Russian speakers in Ukraine from what he perceives as a nationalist and neo-Nazi threat.

The Risk of Global War

The conversation shifts back to the role of the United States and NATO in the conflict. Putin accuses the West of provoking Russia and ignoring its security concerns for decades. He suggests that the U.S. and its allies are fueling the conflict by supplying weapons to Ukraine, thereby prolonging the war. Putin also touches on the broader implications of the conflict, warning that it could escalate into a global war if not handled carefully.

Nord Stream Sabotage

Putin addresses the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines, describing it as an act of industrial terrorism. He insinuates that the United States and NATO could be behind the attack, given their capabilities and interests in weakening Europe's energy security. However, he acknowledges the difficulty in proving such allegations due to the control the U.S. has over global media narratives.

German Silence and European Energy Crisis

The discussion continues with Putin expressing confusion over Germany's silence regarding the Nord Stream sabotage and its broader acquiescence to U.S. policies that harm European energy security. He questions why Germany, despite being significantly affected by the loss of Russian gas, continues to support Ukraine financially and militarily without demanding a resolution to the energy crisis.

The US Dollar

Putin continues by addressing the strategic error made by the United States in utilizing the US dollar as a tool for foreign policy and sanctions. He argues that this approach undermines the global standing and economic power of the United States, as it prompts other nations to reduce their dollar reserves and seek alternative currencies for trade. Putin highlights the shift in Russia's foreign trade transactions, noting a significant decrease in the use of US dollars and euros, and an increase in transactions in rubles and yuan. This shift, according to Putin, is a direct consequence of US sanctions and represents a broader move away from the dollar in international trade. He criticizes the US political leadership for what he sees as a short-sighted and damaging policy, suggesting that it harms the US economy and diminishes its global influence.

The Changing Global Landscape and China-Russia Relations

Putin discusses the evolving multipolar world, emphasizing the importance of global unity and shared security. He rejects the notion of a world divided into competing blocs, arguing instead for cooperation and mutual respect among nations. In this context, he addresses concerns about China's growing influence, particularly in relation to Russia and the BRICS nations. Putin dismisses fears of Chinese dominance as "Boogeyman stories," highlighting the long history of cooperation and mutual understanding between Russia and China. He points to the increasing pace of cooperation between China and Europe, and criticizes Western attempts to limit engagement with China as self-defeating. He underscores the balanced nature of Sino-Russian trade and the strategic partnership between the two countries, which he views as a model for international relations.

US-Russia Relations and the Impact of Leadership

Putin reflects on the impact of US leadership on bilateral relations, noting his personal interactions with past US presidents and the influence of the American elite's mindset on foreign policy. He argues that the prevailing desire for dominance, coupled with forceful actions, has led to counterproductive outcomes, including strained relations with Russia. Putin suggests that a change in the American elite's approach, recognizing the changing global dynamics and adapting accordingly, could lead to improved relations. He emphasizes the need for fresh perspectives and forward-thinking individuals who can guide the US through a changing world without resorting to coercion or dominance.

Economic Sanctions and Russia's Resilience

Discussing the impact of economic sanctions, Putin highlights Russia's economic resilience and growth despite facing the largest number of sanctions globally. He points to Russia's emergence as Europe's leading economy as evidence that US sanctions have been ineffective. Putin argues that the US needs to reconsider its reliance on sanctions and force as tools of foreign policy, suggesting that a more thoughtful and cooperative approach would be beneficial for global stability and prosperity.

Negotiations on The Ukraine Conflict

Putin criticizes Western leaders, particularly former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, for discouraging Ukraine from negotiating a peaceful resolution. He expresses openness to negotiations, noting that Russia has never refused to engage in dialogue. He challenges the current Ukrainian leadership to reconsider its stance and take steps toward peace, emphasizing that the resolution of the conflict requires willingness and action from both sides.

Russia's Orthodox Identity and Its Impact

Putin delves into the historical and cultural significance of Orthodoxy in Russia, tracing its roots back to 988 when Prince Vladimir adopted Christianity. This religious transformation, according to Putin, is central to understanding Russia's identity and its approach to governance and international relations. He emphasizes Russia's tolerance and inclusivity towards other religions, attributing this to the country's stability and unity. Putin argues that these traditional values, deeply ingrained in Russian society, foster a strong sense of patriotism and moral integrity.

The Nonviolent Essence of Christianity and Leadership

Addressing the apparent contradiction between Christian nonviolence and the responsibilities of a leader in times of conflict, Putin asserts the legitimacy of self-defense. He justifies Russia's actions in Ukraine as protective measures, defending the homeland and its people against aggression. He underscores the importance of internal spiritual values over external religious practices, suggesting that Russian culture prioritizes eternal, moral considerations over pragmatic interests, unlike Western societies.

Technological Advancements and Ethical Considerations

The conversation shifts to the challenges posed by genetic research and artificial intelligence. Putin expresses concern over the potential creation of "superhumans" and the ethical implications of such advancements. He mentions Elon Musk's endeavors in brain-chip technology, advocating for international regulations to manage these developments responsibly. He draws parallels between the need for control in genetic and AI research and historical efforts to regulate nuclear weapons, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in addressing these existential threats.

The Case of Evan Gersovitz

The discussion takes a more personal turn with the mention of Evan Gersovitz, a Wall Street Journal reporter imprisoned in Russia. Putin is asked to consider Gersovitz's release as a gesture of goodwill. While Putin acknowledges the possibility of negotiation, he insists on reciprocal actions from the United States. He defends the legality of Gersovitz's detention, arguing that espionage, regardless of the individual's profession, cannot be overlooked. He suggests that resolution lies in the hands of special services and emphasizes the importance of professional, discreet negotiations.

The Prospect of Negotiated Peace in Ukraine

Putin expresses a willingness to negotiate an end to the conflict in Ukraine, blaming the West and Ukraine's leadership for the lack of progress. He criticizes the influence of external powers on Ukraine's decisions and calls for a return to negotiation, suggesting that the West correct its mistakes. Putin remains open to dialogue, emphasizing the need for a dignified solution that respects Russia's security concerns. He challenges NATO to acknowledge its role in escalating the situation and to seek a peaceful resolution.

Reflections on Unity and the Future

In concluding, Putin reflects on the deep cultural and historical ties between the Russian and Ukrainian peoples. He shares anecdotes illustrating the shared identity and resilience of these communities, even in the face of conflict. He remains optimistic about the eventual reconciliation and unity of the Russian and Ukrainian people, asserting that the current divisions are temporary. He criticizes the Ukrainian authorities' attempts to sever these ties, particularly through the suppression of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, and reiterates his belief in the enduring connection between the two nations.