Moscow [Russia], February 9: In an interview with American journalist Tucker Carlson, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the West should understand that they "cannot" defeat Russia in Ukraine.
In a 2-hour interview with journalist Carlson, once a famous Fox News host, President Putin also said that an agreement could be reached in exchange for the freedom of journalist Evan Gershkovich of The newspaper. Wall Street Journal is being detained in Russia for allegedly spying for the US government.
"Specific terms can be discussed through special channels," AFP quoted the Kremlin owner as saying. Mr. Putin said the American journalist was a spy, something both The Wall Street Journal and the US government denied.
The interview marked the first time Western media had private contact with Mr. Putin since 2019. Journalist Carlson is close to former President Donald Trump, the leading candidate in the Republican primary race. .
According to leader Putin, the West has now realized that it is impossible to defeat Russia, despite Ukraine receiving support from the US, Europe and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
"Up until now, there have always been claims that this or that strategic failure has been caused to Russia on the battlefield. However, now they clearly realize that this is something difficult to achieve. In my opinion , that is impossible", Russian President.
He also sent a message to the US Congress, in the context that the country's House of Representatives has not yet been able to pass a new aid package for Ukraine.
"If you really want to end the conflict, you need to stop providing weapons," the Russian leader emphasized.
Regarding the question of whether Moscow is considering attacking other countries in the region, such as Poland and Latvia, President Putin affirmed that Russia has no interest in Poland, Latvia, or anywhere else. .
A war with Poland, if there is one, will only happen when Poland attacks Russia, according to Mr. Putin.
Regarding the possibility of changing leadership after the 2024 US election , Mr. Putin said there will be little change in this possibility.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
