Tucker Carlson Spotted In Russia, Fueling Speculation About A Possible Putin Interview
Top-rated conservative journalist Tucker Carlson was spotted at the famous Bolshoi Theater in Moscow on Saturday, fueling speculation that he may be in the country for an interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Carlson was in attendance for a performance of “Spartacus,” according to photos posted by Russian X user TrollStoy88. According to the post, Carlson arrived in Russia three days ago after traveling from Istanbul.
Photos of the American journalist were obtained by the Russian news agency, Mash, which were uploaded to the network’s Telegram page.
The American journalist Tucker Carlson arrived in Russia.
He arrived in the Russian capital from Istanbul three days ago.
Today the journalist was spotted at the ballet “Spartacus” at the Bolshoi Theater. pic.twitter.com/PfrpxA7qT5
— Trollstoy (@Trollstoy88) February 3, 2024
The photos generated significant speculation on X, with many wondering whether Carlson is in the country to interview Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Carlson has emerged as a fierce critic of U.S. involvement with the war in Ukraine. He has argued that the U.S. has no strategic interest in the conflict, questioned the lack of a clear strategy, and objected to the massive loss of life that is largely glossed over by western media outlets.
Carlson has also criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky due to increasing authoritarianism in the country. Since the war began, Zelensky’s government has banned opposing political parties, news stations, and even famous literature written by Russian authors. Zelensky’s government has also cracked down on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and has threatened to postpone the nation’s elections due to national security concerns.
The former Fox News host, who recently launched his own independent media company, previously told the Swiss newspaper Weltwoche that the U.S. government stepped in to prevent an interview with Putin.
“There has been a very aggressive attempt, over a number of decades on the part of the people who run the United States, to control what’s available on our news stations and in our newspapers — to control the news media. And they have,” Carlson told the outlet, adding that many U.S. media organizations have been happy to allow it.
“I tried to interview Vladimir Putin, and the US government stopped me,” the former Fox News went on to reveal. “So, think about that for a minute. By the way, nobody defended me. I don’t think there was anybody in the news media who said, ‘Wait a second. I may not like this guy, but he has a right to interview anyone he wants, and we have a right to hear what Putin says,’” he continued. “You’re not allowed to hear Putin’s voice. Because why? There was no vote on it. No one asked me. I’m 54 years old. I’ve paid my taxes and followed the law.”