DLNews by JFTMax:

In a spectacle that's sent shockwaves through the global media landscape, Tucker Carlson, the firebrand US commentator, sat down with none other than Russia's strongman, Vladimir Putin, for what was billed as the year's most scandalous tête-à-tête. The interview, conducted amid the frosty backdrop of geopolitical tensions, promised fireworks but instead delivered a bewildering journey through the annals of history, leaving audiences both bemused and bewildered.

To explain why he was attacking Ukraine, Putin took a long time until he finally arrived at the usual justification (“NATO eastward expansion,” “Maidan coup”)

"Is this going to be a serious conversation or a show?" Putin's retort to Carlson's probing about the 2022 Ukraine invasion set the tone for what was to unfold. Rather than addressing the crux of the matter, Putin embarked on a historical odyssey that would have historians scrambling for their textbooks. From the year 862 and the saga of Kievan Rus to a meticulous recounting of 17th-century correspondences, Putin's narrative meandered through centuries, leaving Carlson—and presumably the viewers—in a labyrinth of the past.

Carlson later confessed to being "shocked" by Putin's relentless historical discourse, conceding that while the Russian leader's sincerity was palpable, his justifications seemed rooted more in a bygone era's entitlements than contemporary geopolitical realities.

The West: A Bogeyman or a Betrothed?

Putin's lament over the West's portrayal of Russia as a "bogeyman" struck a chord of victimhood that has become a recurring theme in his rhetoric. He decried the disillusionment of post-Soviet expectations, mourning the cold shoulder given to Russia when it sought inclusion in the "fraternal family of civilized nations." Yet, Carlson's failure to challenge Putin on Russia's aggressive postures in Georgia and Syria or the protection of Assad left a glaring void in the discourse.

Had two hours to explain why he invaded Ukraine: war tyrant Vladimir Putin (71)

A Polish Puzzle and Diplomatic Dance

The interview took a sharp turn when the subject of Poland arose. Putin's assertion that Russian boots would only tread on Polish soil if Poland were to attack Russia first seemed to lift the veil on his stance towards NATO expansion momentarily. Yet, his claims of disinterest in Poland and other Baltic states hung in the air, juxtaposed against his earlier narratives of historical entitlements.

From Clinton to Bush: A Walk Down Memory Lane

Putin's reflections on his interactions with former US Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush offered a rare glimpse into the personal dynamics at play behind the scenes of global politics. His claim of a denied request for Russia to join NATO under Clinton's administration and his personal rapport with Bush painted a complex picture of Russia's quest for a seat at the table of global governance.

A Tense Exchange in Ukraine

The dialogue took a poignant turn when discussing Ukraine's President Zelensky. Putin's confrontation with Zelensky over the latter's stance on neo-Nazis, juxtaposed against the backdrop of Zelensky's father's fight against fascism in WWII, underscored the deep-seated historical and ideological divides that continue to shadow Russo-Ukrainian relations.

A Historical Journey or a Missed Opportunity?

While rich in historical narrative, Carlson's interview with Putin left many unanswered questions and controversies needing to be addressed. While demonstrating a command of the past, the Russian leader's dive into the depths of history did little to illuminate the path forward out of the current geopolitical quagmire. As the world grapples with the realities of Russian aggression and the specter of expanding conflict, the need for clear, candid discourse has never been more critical. For all its promise, this interview may be remembered more for the questions it didn't ask than for the history it sought to recount.