Amy Mek
In a much-anticipated interview aired on the night from Thursday to Friday, journalist Tucker Carlson sat down with Russian President Vladimir Putin, addressing a myriad of topics, including the contentious issue of the treatment of journalists in Russia. Prior to the interview, there had been significant apprehension and speculation that Putin would not face any critical questioning. However, Carlson delved into the case of Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter who was arrested in Russia last year under espionage charges.
Gershkovich, 31 at the time, was detained during a reporting trip in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg, with Russian authorities accusing him of attempting to obtain state secrets related to Russian defense. The Federal Security Service alleged that Gershkovich, acting on instructions from the United States, had gathered sensitive information about a Russian military-industrial complex enterprise. Both Gershkovich and his employer vehemently deny these allegations, with the U.S. government also declaring his detention as wrongful.
During the interview, Putin indicated the possibility of releasing Gershkovich. Putin expressed his belief that “an agreement can be reached” to free the innocent U.S. journalist, hinting at a potential exchange involving Vadim Krasikov, a Russian serving a life sentence in Germany for a 2019 murder in Berlin’s Tiergarten. However, Putin did not explicitly mention Krasikov’s name. The Russian Foreign Ministry has consistently stated that any swap for Gershkovich would only be considered after a verdict in his trial in Russia’s judicial system, which could extend for over a year.
Tucker asks Putin about jailed WSJ journalist pic.twitter.com/SjPMutFJBP
— Tucker Carlson Network (@TCNetwork) February 8, 2024
Analysts have suggested that Moscow might be using detained Americans as bargaining chips, particularly in light of heightened tensions between the United States and Russia over the Kremlin’s military actions in Ukraine. Previous cases, such as that of WNBA star Brittney Griner, have seen Americans released in exchange for Russians jailed in the United States.
In a parallel development, Alsu Kurmasheva, a dual U.S.-Russian citizen and journalist for Prague-based Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, was also arrested in October. She faces charges of failing to register as a foreign agent and spreading false information about Russia’s military, according to her employer.
During the interview, Putin mentioned that discussions between Moscow and U.S. special services had made progress regarding Gershkovich’s case, expressing optimism about reaching an agreement. “We are ready to resolve it, but certain conditions are being discussed through the channels of special services,” Putin stated. “There have been many examples of successful talks. Probably, this will also be crowned with success, but we have to reach an agreement.”
On Thursday, the Wall Street Journal released a statement reiterating Gershkovich’s innocence and condemning his detention as improper. “The baseless accusations against him are categorically false, and we continue to push for his immediate release. Journalism is not a crime,” the statement emphasized.
For those interested, the entire interview can be watched below:
Ep. 73 The Vladimir Putin Interview pic.twitter.com/67YuZRkfLL
— Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) February 8, 2024
RAIR Foundation
Vlad Tepes
WSJ Gersh can rot in a Russian prison for all I care. WSJ is run by scumbags.
The black lesbotranny doper b-ball creature should have rotted in there too, but bozobiden being the adroit negotiator gave up a bigboy arms dealer for her release. What a joke. Our leadership are retards. Our media is garbage. F ’em all.
And how do Wall Street Journal know that Gershkovich is innocent?
Really no business there in Yekaterinburg for a Wall Street Journalist that should be in USA licking Biden’s and Soros’ ass. and instead also writing about when the “Nuremberg Trial II” will begin! If any spare time left from all the licking!
Putin is probably correct about this Gersh kid. The c | a has infiltrated most news agencies of any importance with their operatives and interns. William Colby bragged about it.
Anderson Pooper(former c | a intern) is an example. Also, The guys that took over Rush Limbaugh’s show(Cuck and Buck). Those two suck as bad as Glenda Beck, Sean Clownitty, and Mark “La Vin.” None are Conservative as far as the radio news clowns. Just caricatures. I shut that crap off and cable tv. Once in a while I use it as background noise.