In a recent development, Tucker Carlson, a prominent conservative media figure, has once again journeyed to Russia.
This time, he is set to interview Sergei Lavrov, the foreign minister of Vladimir Putin's administration. This comes after Carlson's controversial interview with Putin himself nine months ago, which was widely criticized for its seemingly uncritical coverage of Russia and lack of confrontation over the Kremlin's actions in Ukraine.
According to The Independent, Carlson's previous encounter with Putin was met with mockery from the Russian president himself, who highlighted Carlson's absence of "sharp" questions and teased him about his unsuccessful attempt to join the CIA earlier in his career.
In a video posted on Tuesday from Red Square, Carlson explained the purpose of his latest visit. He criticized President Joe Biden's administration, accusing it of pushing the United States closer to a nuclear conflict with Russia. This, he claimed, was due to the administration allowing Kyiv to use American-made missiles to strike deep into enemy territory for the first time last month.
"We are, unbeknownst to most Americans, in a hot war with Russia," Carlson stated. "An undeclared war, a war you did not vote for and that most Americans dont want but that is ongoing. And because of that war, because of the fact that the US military is killing Russians in Russia right now, we are closer to nuclear war than at any time in history. Far closer than we were during the Cuban Missile Crisis."
However, it's important to note that Carlson's statement implies direct involvement of American armed forces in the Ukraine war, which is not the case.
In his video, Carlson also warned of the potential "elimination" of the US, Russia, and most of the world. He expressed shock at Washington's current lack of communication with Moscow and criticized the American media for failing to provide "the Russian perspective" on the war. He further alleged that the State Department had obstructed a proposed interview between him and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Promising an "absolutely fascinating" interview with Lavrov, Carlson revealed that he had questioned the seasoned minister about the possibility of averting a "nuclear holocaust", the solidity of Russia's alliance with China, and whether a return of Donald Trump to the White House could signal an end to the war in Europe.
Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for the Russian foreign ministry, confirmed that the interview between Carlson and Lavrov lasted approximately an hour and a half. She stated that it would be released within days after editing and translation. "The emphasis was placed on the modern, current history of our difficult relations with the United States, the impact of all this on world geopolitics, the possibilities of the future state of affairs," Zakharova said, as reported by the Tass news agency. She added that "Ukraine and other issues were raised."
In recent times, Carlson has taken on an increasingly active role in campaigning for President-elect Trump. He spoke at the Republican National Convention in July and at Trumps Madison Square Garden rally in October. His controversial remarks at a Turning Point event in Georgia, where he likened America to a bad little girl in need of a vigorous spanking from daddy, sparked widespread outrage.
As the world watches, the implications of Carlson's latest visit to Russia and his upcoming interview with Lavrov remain to be seen. The conservative media personality's actions and statements continue to stir debate, reflecting the complex and often contentious relationship between the United States and Russia.
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