The Kremlin has announced it will notify the media about any potential interviews between Russian President Vladimir Putin and foreign journalists, amidst speculation about an interview with American journalist Tucker Carlson. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov clarified that currently, there are no plans for such interviews on Putin's agenda, but promised to keep the media informed should any arise.
Tucker Carlson, a prominent independent journalist in the US, previously associated with Fox News, has been the subject of recent speculation following his visit to Russia. Reports of his arrival in Moscow and attendance at a performance at the Bolshoi Theater have fueled rumors of a possible interview with Putin.
During a conversation captured on video and shared by the Russian newspaper Izvestia, Carlson responded to questions about interviewing the Russian leader with a non-committal "We'll see." The journalist has expressed past interest in interviewing Putin, mentioning in September 2023 an attempt that was allegedly thwarted by US authorities.
Peskov has noted the Kremlin receives numerous interview requests from international media daily and acknowledged the possibility of a future interview with Putin, emphasizing the need for it at the right moment. He also commented on the Western public's perception, suggesting that current Russophobic sentiments might affect the reception of Putin's viewpoints.
Putin's engagement with foreign media has been selective, with his last interviews given to journalists from Kazakhstan and China in November and October 2023, respectively.
It's been over two years since Putin last spoke with Western press representatives, with his most recent interview being in October 2021 with CNBC's Hadley Gamble.
