The White House has downplayed concerns regarding the potential impact of Tucker Carlson’s interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin on public support for Ukraine. John Kirby, a White House national security official, has addressed these concerns, stating that he does not believe that a single interview can substantially change public opinion.
Kirby Warns Against Taking Putin’s Statements at Face Value
When asked about the interview before its release, Kirby emphasized that the American people are fully aware of the situation, highlighting that Ukraine did not pose a threat when Putin initiated the invasion in February 2022. He condemned Putin’s action of invading a neighboring country without provocation, emphasizing that Ukraine is fighting for its cause and seeking assistance, but not requesting American boots on the ground.
“He invaded a neighboring country without provocation,” Kirby said of Putin, saying he thinks the American people “understand what Ukraine’s fighting for and all they’re asking for is our help,” adding they aren’t asking for “American boots on the ground.”
Kirby also cautioned Americans against taking Putin’s statements at face value, emphasizing, “Anybody that watches that interview you need to make sure to remember that you are listening to Vladimir Putin. You shouldn’t take at face value anything he has to say.”
Kirby Urges Caution on Putin’s Statements; Bipartisan Support for Aid to Ukraine Remains Strong
Kirby urged viewers of Carlson’s interview to approach Putin’s statements critically and advised against taking them at face value. When questioned about the potential impact on lawmakers, Kirby expressed confidence in strong bipartisan support on Capitol Hill for aiding Ukraine. However, he refrained from speculating on the interview’s specific influence.
This marks Putin’s first interview with a Western journalist since the Russian invasion of Ukraine nearly two years ago. Speculation arose earlier in the week when Carlson was spotted in Moscow, leading to confirmation from Carlson that he would indeed be interviewing Putin.
In a two-hour interview with the former Fox News host, coming just ahead of the two-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin emphasized that the West should understand it is “impossible” to defeat Russia in Ukraine.
