Renowned former Fox News host, Tucker Carlson, has announced his plans to conduct an exclusive interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. In a video posted on his X account, Carlson expressed his motivation to shed light on the ongoing Ukraine conflict, asserting that "Americans have a right to know all they can about a war they are implicated in."

This anticipated one-on-one interview with a Western journalist would be Putin's first since he launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. While the Kremlin has remained silent thus far, Russian state media has avidly covered Carlson's every move during his visit to Moscow, emphasizing its significance.

During the announcement video, Carlson mentioned that he personally funded his trip and reiterated his belief that "most Americans are not informed" about the conflict. He placed blame on mainstream media for offering biased coverage. Carlson criticized Western journalists for repeatedly interviewing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he has previously referred to as a "dictator." In his view, these interviews served as "fawning pep sessions" aimed at promoting Zelensky's desire for increased U.S. involvement in the war.

In contrast, Carlson pointed out the lack of attention on Putin, stating that "not a single Western journalist has bothered to interview" him. Steve Rosenberg, the BBC's Russia Editor, acknowledged that their organization had attempted to arrange interviews with the Russian leader but faced consistent rejection from the Kremlin over the past 18 months.

The devastating impact of Russia's invasion on Ukraine and its people cannot be overstated. The United Nations has attributed widespread torture, rapes, and killings in Ukraine to Russian forces. Furthermore, Russia has annexed four additional regions of Ukraine following its controversial takeover of Crimea in 2014. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has even issued an arrest warrant for Putin, accusing him of war crimes and the unlawful deportation of children from Ukraine to Russia.

Within Russia, journalists face severe reporting restrictions, with media outlets banned from referring to the conflict as a "war," but rather as a "special military operation."

Carlson's previous support for Putin drew attention prior to the invasion, as he questioned the motivations behind the American portrayal of the Russian leader. He argued that Putin had not personally targeted him, as he claimed the American government had done. However, his tone changed after Russia's invasion, as he acknowledged Putin's responsibility for the conflict during another show.

The exact timing of the interview remains uncertain, but Carlson assured that it would be broadcasted live and unedited on his X account. Elon Musk, the platform's owner, has pledged not to suppress or block the interview.

Tucker Carlson, previously a highly influential figure as a top-rated cable TV host on Fox News, abruptly departed from the network last year. Known for setting conservative agendas, he launched a new show on X, which has quickly garnered attention. Carlson's forthcoming interview with Putin is eagerly awaited as he continues to make waves during his time in Moscow.

In a separate development, a tragic cross-border attack on Ukraine's Kharkiv region has claimed the life of a two-month-old boy. While Russia has blamed Ukraine for the attack on a bakery in Lysychansk, no official statement has been issued by Ukraine thus far regarding the incident.