Vladimir Putin, in US interview says Russia Will Defend Interests, Not Expand War to other Countries

Defense News ,Russia :- Russian President Vladimir Putin stated in an interview that aired on Thursday that Russia is committed to defending its interests "to the end" but has no intention of expanding the war in Ukraine to other countries like Poland and Latvia.

In his first interview with an American journalist since before Russia's invasion of Ukraine nearly two years ago, Putin mentioned that Western leaders now realize it's impossible to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia, and there is a need for dialogue. He expressed readiness for such discussions.

Putin also expressed belief in reaching an agreement to release U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich of the Wall Street Journal, who has been detained in Russia for almost a year on spying charges.

The interview, conducted by conservative talk-show host Tucker Carlson in Moscow, covered various topics, including Putin's stance on sending Russian troops to Poland. Putin clarified that such a scenario would only happen if Poland attacked Russia, emphasizing that Russia has no interest in Poland, Latvia, or anywhere else.

Putin also discussed the situation in Ukraine, criticizing the country's reluctance to agree to a deal to end hostilities in talks in Istanbul in April 2022. He suggested that Ukraine's domestic problems and mobilization efforts might eventually lead to an agreement.

Addressing the United States, Putin suggested that negotiating with Russia would be more beneficial, given the pressing domestic issues in the U.S. He emphasized Russia's commitment to defending its interests.

The interview comes amid U.S. lawmakers debating additional funding for Ukraine's war effort and coincides with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy making changes to the army leadership.

Putin mentioned progress in the Gershkovich case, stating that Russian and American special services were discussing it. He hinted at a potential exchange involving the release of a Russian prisoner.

The Kremlin cited Tucker Carlson's approach, seen as differing from "one-sided" reporting on the Ukraine conflict by many Western news outlets, as the reason for agreeing to the interview. Carlson's connections to former President Donald Trump were also noted.

As the U.S. Senate advances a bill including $61 billion in new funds for Ukraine, the interview reflects ongoing debates on Ukraine aid and differing perspectives on the conflict's coverage in Western media.