KYIV — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s office refuted claims on Thursday that Zelenskyy had agreed to an interview with American right-wing commentator Tucker Carlson.
“The President of Ukraine has a completely different schedule, and Tucker Carlson is not on it,” presidential spokesperson Sergii Nykyforov stated, casting doubt on the reliability of Carlson’s Ukrainian sources.
Carlson’s Claims and Past Interviews
The denial follows Carlson’s announcement on social media Wednesday night where he suggested he had secured an interview with Zelenskyy. “Looks like we’ve got the Zelenskyy interview,” Carlson posted, noting the effort to land the interview had been ongoing for two years, especially intensifying after he interviewed Russian President Vladimir Putin in February. Carlson emphasized the importance of providing Americans with information about the conflict that is reshaping their country’s global position.
In his two-hour interview with Putin, Carlson allowed the Russian leader to deliver an extensive monologue on Russian history and his views, during which Putin mockingly referenced Carlson’s unsuccessful attempt to join the CIA. Following the interview, Putin expressed disappointment on Russian state TV, saying he had anticipated more challenging questions from Carlson.
Context of the Conflict
Ukraine has been defending against Russia’s full-scale invasion for over two years. Carlson’s commentary on the conflict has often aligned with Kremlin narratives, which has caused controversy and criticism. This backdrop makes the purported interview with Zelenskyy particularly significant and contentious.
Conclusion
The denial from Zelenskyy’s office underscores the sensitivity and high stakes of media engagements involving Ukrainian leadership amid the ongoing conflict. Carlson’s previous interactions with Putin and his contentious viewpoints add another layer of complexity to the situation.
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