News of War Staff Writer
Russian President Vladimir Putin listens during an interview with U.S. television host Tucker Carlson in Moscow, Russia February 6, 2024. Sputnik/Gavriil Grigorov/Kremlin via Reuters
The Tucker Carlson Interview - What did Putin say on war and peace and World War 3
MOSCOW - President Vladimir Putin of Russia gave a speech to Tucker Carlson with the monologue already watched by over 80 million people on X, that's over 80 000 000 views in just 10 hours, by the time of this article's publication.
Here are the salient points, translated from Russian based on a transcript provided by the Kremlin.
On the Situation in Ukraine:
Putin provided an extensive overview of the historical relationship between Russia and Ukraine, tracing back to the beginnings of Slavic history in 862.
He mentioned that Russia and Ukraine were close to reaching a peace agreement in Istanbul shortly after the conflict escalated in 2022, but the deal was rejected by Ukraine under Western influence, particularly due to Boris Johnson, the then British Prime Minister.
Putin encouraged the West and Ukraine to contemplate peace, emphasising Russia's readiness to protect its interests and suggesting that a return to 'common sense' and respect for Russia's interests was needed.
He questioned the need for the United States to arm Ukraine for a conflict he likened to a "civil war" and pointed out the presence of foreign mercenaries in Ukraine.
On the Risks of a Global War:
In response to concerns about the conflict escalating into a worldwide or nuclear war, Putin dismissed the notion of a Russian threat as a Western myth.
He clarified that Russia would only retaliate against Poland or Latvia if attacked from these countries and denied any Russian ambitions over Europe.
Putin stated that a global conflict would threaten the survival of humanity, which contradicts common sense.
He expressed disappointment with the West's response to Russia's post-Soviet Union desire to join the 'civilised peoples' and suggested the West is more concerned with China's rapid economic expansion.
On the World, AI, and Genetics:
Putin compared the current rapid changes in the world to those during the fall of the Roman Empire, referencing strides in genetics and AI.
He humorously mentioned Elon Musk's work on integrating a chip into the human brain and speculated on the potential creation of a 'superman' by geneticists.
The Russian leader proposed that the nuclear arms control treaties from the Cold War might offer a blueprint for regulating advancements in technology.
On the Nord Stream Pipeline:
Putin hinted at the CIA's involvement in the destruction of the Nord Stream pipeline, stating they have "no alibi."
On U.S. Journalist Evan Gershkovich:
Putin discussed the detention of Evan Gershkovich, an American journalist, on espionage charges in Yekaterinburg, suggesting it was likely he would be returned to the United States and that keeping him in Russia was relatively pointless.