Conservative US media personality Tucker Carlson has released a controversial interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The more than two-hour video was filmed in Moscow on Tuesday, Carlson said.
It’s the first time the Russian leader has sat down with a Western journalist since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The interview began with a question about Mr Putin’s reason for ordering the invasion of Ukraine.
“Tell us why you believe the United States might strike Russia out of the blue,” Mr Carlson asked. “How did you conclude that?”
“It’s not that America, the United States, was going to launch a surprise strike on Russia,” Mr Putin said through a translator. “I didn’t say that. Are we having a talk show or a serious conversation?”
Mr Putin then spoke at length – more than half an hour – about the history of eastern Europe, beginning with the establishment of the Russian state in the 9th Century.
The Russian president argued that parts of Ukraine had long belonged to Russia. He has given various justifications for the invasion.
During the interview, Mr Putin gave lengthy answers to questions and repeatedly admonished Mr Carlson when he attempted to bring the subject back to the war in Ukraine.
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