President Vladimir Putin during an interview with former American talk show host Tucker Carlson in Moscow, Russia on February 6 (Photo: Sputnik).
In the first 24 hours, the interview was viewed more than 150 million times on the X platform alone, but widespread audience interest does not mean support, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov pointed out.
"The most important thing is for our president's voice to be heard. If he is heard, many people will wonder whether he is right or not. At least they will think about it," TASS quoted Mr. Peskov.
On February 9, Mr. Putin spent 2 hours interviewing journalist Carlson - a famous former host of Fox News (USA), focusing on the conflict in Ukraine, the relationship between Russia and the US, NATO, and the West in general. This is the first time Mr. Putin has answered the Western press in more than 2 years.
The Kremlin spokesman pointed out that it would be difficult for Russia to compete with the US in the media because Washington "in one way or another" owns all major radio stations and newspapers.
In that context, the interview with journalist Carlson is a "very good opportunity" to convey Moscow's stance to the people, Mr. Peskov said.
In his response to Carlson, Putin signaled his willingness to return to negotiations, but insisted that the West must accept Russian control over nearly a fifth of Ukraine’s territory, which it currently holds. He also warned the United States not to provide more weapons to Ukraine if it wants the fighting to end.
However, the Kremlin spokesman pointed out that the US government was very aware of Mr. Putin's message even without an interview.
"The question is not whether to know or not, but whether to want or not. As for the desire to act to enter the path to negotiations. So far, we have not seen the desire and political will to do so in the United States," Mr. Peskov said.
Regarding the impact of the interview, US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the interview would have only limited impact in the US.
"I don't think the American people will be affected by just one interview," Mr. Kirby said.
As for whether the interview could influence US lawmakers, Mr Kirby said the White House "is confident that there is strong bipartisan support on Capitol Hill for supporting Ukraine".
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