As a Russian who resisted the dictatorship of the KGB and the war, I feel compelled to speak out against Tucker Carlson’s recent interview with Vladimir Putin. As a country that has experienced the devastation of authoritarian rule and the horrors of war, we should not stand idly by while a prominent American journalist gives a platform to a leader who continues to oppress and endanger his own people.
First, let’s address the elephant in the room – the fact that Carlson did not challenge Putin on any of his actions or policies. This is not journalism, it is propaganda. As someone who has experienced the consequences of state-controlled media, I am deeply disappointed in Carlson for not using his platform to hold this powerful leader accountable. Instead, he allowed Putin to spew lies and misinformation without any pushback.
But my disappointment quickly turns to anger when I think about the Russian people who continue to suffer under Putin’s rule. The corruption, censorship, and political repression that are rampant in Russia all came to light after years of brave activists and journalists risking their lives to expose the truth. And yet, Carlson chose to give Putin a platform to spread his propaganda without any regard for the journalists and activists who have been silenced or imprisoned by his regime.
It is also worth noting that Carlson’s interview with Putin comes at a time when the Russian government is cracking down on dissent and passing laws to further restrict freedom of speech and assembly. As someone who has personally witnessed the impact of these policies, it is disheartening to see them being normalized by a prominent American journalist.
But the most concerning aspect of the interview was Carlson’s blatant disregard for the ongoing war in Ukraine. As a country that has experienced the tragedy of war, we should be standing in solidarity with the Ukrainian people who are fighting for their sovereignty and independence. Instead, Carlson chose to downplay the conflict and even suggest that the U.S. should «reconsider» its support for Ukraine. This is not only a betrayal of our values but also a dangerous message to send to other authoritarian leaders around the world.
As Russians, we have a responsibility to speak out against those who seek to undermine democracy and human rights. We cannot afford to turn a blind eye to Putin’s actions and rhetoric, especially when it is being amplified by an influential American figure. We must reject the dangerous alliance that Carlson is forming with Putin and hold him accountable for his lack of journalistic integrity.
It is also worth noting that Carlson’s interview with Putin was heavily criticized by journalists and experts in both the U.S. and Russia. His attempts to spin the interview as a success are nothing more than a desperate attempt to defend his own actions. The truth is, Carlson’s interview was a disgrace and a disservice to his profession.
In conclusion, as a Russian who has experienced the consequences of authoritarian rule and war, I cannot stay silent while Tucker Carlson gives a platform to Vladimir Putin. This interview was a shameful display of propaganda and a betrayal of the values that both America and Russia should stand for. We must not let our personal biases blind us from the truth – Putin is not a legitimate leader and his actions must be challenged, not normalized.
