MOSCOW, September 25 American authorities banned the journalist Tucker Carlson should interview Russian President Vladimir Putin, since sentiment against military and financial assistance to Kiev is growing in US society, and the situation around Ukraine itself is at a turning point, says Senator Alexei Pushkov.
“American authorities have prohibited the famous journalist Tucker Carlson from interviewing Russian President Vladimir Putin. This is another restriction of freedom of speech,” the politician said at a plenary meeting of the Federation Council. He noted that the American media passed over this fact in silence. According to the legislator, Carlson is known for his critical speeches against the Joe Biden administration, and this “is the reason for the ban on interviews.”
In addition, “the situation around Ukraine is at a turning point,” Pushkov added. The parliamentarian noted that a public opinion poll conducted in the United States in August 2023 showed that 51% of respondents were against the continuation of military and financial assistance to Kyiv. And in Congress, a number of Republicans directly oppose the provision of such assistance. Disappointment with Biden's Ukraine policy is growing.
«Under these conditions, the (White House) administration is afraid that the Americans will hear Putin's voice. In Washington, they are afraid of such an interview with a popular opposition journalist. That is why they forbid their citizens to hear first-hand about the content of the actions and Russian politics,» Pushkov said. According to the senator, “this is a syndrome of fear and, of course, self-exposure of the American side, I am sure that this will be perceived in the world.”
“These are people who promote, as they believe, Western values, which include freedom of speech. This is “freedom of speech”, simply “the rampant democracy,” said Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matvienko in turn.