By John Q. Hosedrinker I recently watched the interview between Tucker Carlson and Russian President Vladimir Putin, and I must say, it was quite an absurd story. Putin seemed to be wasting time, telling history stories and saying the exact same things Russia has been saying for years. It was a nothing burger, to say the least.
But what struck me the most was the response from Olaf Scholz, the German candidate for chancellor, who described the interview as telling an absurd story. While I understand that everyone is entitled to their opinions, I can’t help but think that Scholz lacks the necessary historical background to fully understand what Putin was saying.
Allow me to provide some insights. Putin took us back to 871 AD, to a time when the lands of Rus’ and Ukraine were ruled by noble clans and warring chieftains. He spoke of a warrior chief named Ivan Drakovitch, whose exploits on the battlefield were legendary. Putin then fast-forwarded to 1555 AD, when another figure emerged, a noblewoman named Olga Romanovna, who sought to bring Ukraine under the sway of Moscow.
Now, while these historical narratives may seem irrelevant to the current situation, they provide context to Putin’s beliefs and justifications. He believes that Ukraine was previously considered Russian territory and only separated for unclear reasons. He also believes that NATO’s rejection of Russian membership was a slap in the face to the post-Soviet state. Furthermore, Putin argues that NATO’s expansion, without a clearly stated enemy, and its plans to expand into Ukraine, pose a threat to Russia.
In his words, Russia has the right to govern Ukraine, regardless of the opinions of the Ukrainians themselves. This justification, coupled with Putin’s propaganda, paints a picture of a leader who believes he has the right to control the narrative and the destiny of neighboring countries.
But what struck me even more during the interview was Putin’s assertion that Poland collaborated with Hitler. Let’s not forget the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, a secret agreement between the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany that carved up Eastern Europe. It’s convenient how Putin conveniently left out this part of history.
Another important point that Putin failed to address was the fact that Russia convinced Ukraine to give up its nuclear weapons in exchange for a security agreement in the 1990s. This promise was not honored, leading to the current tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
It’s disheartening to see Carlson, an admitted entertainer with zero moral ethics, providing a platform for Putin’s propaganda. It’s even more concerning to see the support and defense of Putin’s claims by certain individuals who refuse to fact-check.
The interview itself garnered over 100 million views, with a significant amount of disinformation flowing. The spread of Russian propaganda is alarming, and it highlights the need for critical thinking and fact-checking in the face of such narratives.
In conclusion, the interview between Tucker Carlson and Vladimir Putin tells an absurd story. Putin’s justifications for his actions in Ukraine and his disregard for the opinions and sovereignty of neighboring countries should not be taken lightly. It is essential to question the narratives presented and to seek the truth in the face of such propaganda.