EXCLUSIVE, Tucker Putin Interview Transcript.

On this historic day when Tucker Carlson will broadcast his interview with Vladimir Putin, at Flat Out News we are happy to publish exclusively an un-verified version of the interview transcript. It’s unedited and contains some repetitions, but that’s alright for now. The interview maintains the informal style that is characteristic of Tucker Carlson, although whether it’s appropriate to be informal with the president in Russian is another issue. Enjoy.

TUCKER: What would you say to the people who govern America?

PUTIN: Our message is that Russia is not your enemy. We do not want war. We are ready for peace. Your leaders seek conflict. This is not what we want. Russia stands for its own people. We do not want what is not ours.

TUCKER: Would you visit Washington?

PUTIN: Yes, of course. I have been to the USA before. I like visiting the country and have met all presidents except Joe Biden. If I were invited, I would go. Yes.

TUCKER: What is your opinion of President Biden?

PUTIN: We are convinced that he is not in control of the country. Let’s say we have good sources confirming it, but it’s easy for everyone to see for themselves. The USA has now entered a dark period. The country has irresponsible leadership.

TUCKER: Do you think Joe Biden won fairly?

PUTIN: I would prefer not to delve into domestic American politics, but I will say that my embassy reported that their southern border was better managed than the 2020 election. (laughs)

TUCKER: A poll in America shows you as more popular than Biden – any reaction?

PUTIN: (laughs) I’m not sure if it should be taken seriously, but Russian ideals have support. We believe in traditional values: marriage is between a man and a woman; men are men, and women are women.

TUCKER: Who would you like to see as the next president of the United States?

PUTIN: Once again, it’s not up to us to say or get involved. Unlike long-standing accusations, we do not interfere in your elections. We don’t need to because the same people end up running the show regardless.

TUCKER: Why did you invade Ukraine?

PUTIN: Did we invade, or were we invaded? Look at history. Look at the people who live there. Historically, it was we who were invaded and are simply fighting back now. The countries and people are Russian, and we want back what was always ours.

TUCKER: How would you feel if Trump won again?

PUTIN: We had good relations when Mr. Trump was president. There was no war. Our relationship was at its peak. That being said, nothing is predictable or the same statistics. We’ll see.

TUCKER: What do you think of Mr. Zelensky and what would be your message to him?

PUTIN: I remember laughing at his jokes when he was a comedian in Russia. Let’s go back to laughter.

TUCKER: Why is that?

PUTIN: There are strong financial entities whose interest is to keep us as adversaries. One of their presidents warned against it. We Russians don’t have that problem.

TUCKER: Do you view the USA as an enemy?

PUTIN: No. Categorically no. We were allies in World War II. Russians helped in Alaska, California, and we were also in Hawaii. Our people are not enemies, but those in DC are definitely not our friends.

TUCKER: Can you be more specific and name names?

PUTIN: It would be pointless. It’s not up to us to solve your domestic problems. Besides, I’m sure you know the names better than us.

TUCKER: So you’re saying your opponent is not Joe Biden, but the people behind him?

PUTIN: Exactly. Joe Biden may not even be aware of what’s happening. He may not understand the level of sanctions against Russia. Who put together these sanctions? They are our opponents.

TUCKER: Is that why you’re fighting for BRICS?

PUTIN: BRICS would exist regardless. It’s a natural reaction to the Western trading bloc. It’s a counterbalance. When the dollar is a weapon against states, there will naturally be an alternative to it. That’s what we want.

TUCKER: Is that why you and Russia have been attacked?

PUTIN: It’s more complicated than that, but I’m sure it’s a good part of the reason. When the dollar is threatened, the USA takes extreme measures. The country cannot afford the dollar to fail.

TUCKER: But isn’t Russia economically weaker and more vulnerable than the USA?

PUTIN: When you look at the size of economies, we are small. But few people take into account our vast natural resources. Russia has over $80 trillion in the ground. No country even comes close to us.

TUCKER: What is your opinion of President Biden?

PUTIN: We are convinced that he is not in control of the country. Let’s say we have sources confirming it, but it’s easy for everyone to see. The USA has now entered a dark period. It has irresponsible leadership.

TUCKER: OK. Point well taken, but don’t you have the same problems in Russia?

PUTIN: Yes. To some extent. But in Russia, these interests are more in line with the mindset of the average Russian man on the street. In the USA, that’s not the case. The elites have left you.

TUCKER: So who do you think is running the USA then?

PUTIN: The forces that have always run it. You can change presidents, but you don’t change those who have real power. That’s who we have to deal with. Joe Biden is just a facade for this power structure.

TUCKER: Let’s go to politics. What do you think of President Biden?

PUTIN: We are convinced that he is not in control of the country. Let’s say we have sources confirming it, but it’s easy for everyone to see. The USA has now entered a dark period. It has irresponsible leadership.

TUCKER: But there have been persistent reports that you have cancer?

PUTIN: I assure you that the rumors are false. If I had cancer and had beaten it, I would share the good news and the cure with the world.

TUCKER: Thank you for sitting down with us. How is your health? There have been some rumors.

PUTIN: I’m glad to speak with you and through you to the American people. I am doing well. I feel good. Given my years, I am in good shape.

TUCKER: Let’s move on to politics. What do you think of President Biden?

PUTIN: We are convinced that he is not in control of the country. Let’s say we have sources confirming it, but it’s easy for everyone to see. The USA has now entered a dark period. It has irresponsible leadership.

TUCKER: When you say that some fear him, are you saying that Musk has enemies?

PUTIN: It is clear to see that he has enemies in the USA – the way he was stripped of $50 billion in assets – we would call it being singled out for special treatment. It looks unfair.

TUCKER: Weren’t you afraid of Musk when he started supplying Ukraine with Starlink equipment?

PUTIN: If anyone seriously believes that a few internet dishes can defeat Russia’s power – what can I say? But no, we did not fear or blame Mr. Musk. The government did not give him much choice.

TUCKER: Much has changed in the world. What do you think of Elon Musk?

PUTIN: We see Mr. Musk as a businessman – a very successful one. He has built a great fortune and a large following. He is a unique thinker with a personality that cannot be bought. Some fear that.

TUCKER: Do you have any advice for Elon?

PUTIN: I would say keep going. Don’t be intimidated. But if it ever gets too tough, Russia is here. We are happy to open our doors to you. We have welcomed American businessmen before and appreciate someone of Mr. Musk’s caliber.

TUCKER: Let’s turn to Trump. Tell me first, how do you feel about the current situation with the likelihood of his reelection?

PUTIN: It would be a bit strange, but we are well prepared. He has promised to end the fighting in Ukraine, and we support that view.

TUCKER: How could he end the war so quickly?

PUTIN: First of all, he never insulted us. He has great respect for Russia. We would start from a position of friendship and trust – then all problems are solved. We could make it happen. Trust me.

TUCKER: Do you think Biden calls you a murderer?

PUTIN: We have been the recipients of a number of insults and slander going back generations of politicians. Mr. Trump was a refreshing break from that. He is very popular in Russia. Perhaps it doesn’t help him.

TUCKER: Are you in communication with Trump?

PUTIN: No. Of course not. But should he win again, our lines of communication will open up immediately, while right now we have no dialogue with President Biden.

TUCKER: That’s shocking to me. No one from the White House has been in touch with you?

PUTIN: That’s correct. No one has called since we congratulated Mr. Biden on his election victory. It’s confusing for us that communication is colder now than during the Cold War.

TUCKER: How do you think the 2024 election will go?

PUTIN: We are just observing. It is our responsibility to be vigilant as it will affect the world. We hope the election is conducted in a manner where one can believe in the results. In Russia, we don’t have mail-in ballots.

TUCKER: Let’s turn to China. What is your relationship like?

PUTIN: President Xi and I are especially close. Russia and China enjoy good relations currently, which is an obvious asset to us since they are one of our largest energy partners. We will continue to be friends.

TUCKER: There are allegations that China has assisted you in the war in Ukraine. Is that true?

PUTIN: That is not something I can discuss. Let’s just say that Russia is not an isolated power. That strategy has failed. We have more allies and trading partners now than before the war started.

TUCKER: Do you ever think of a situation where Russia and China could team up against the USA?

PUTIN: Do you mean economically or militarily? I would say we wouldn’t want either. It’s not in our interest to come into conflict with the USA because all sides would lose in such a conflict.

TUCKER: Speaking of conflicts, what is your view on the Gaza situation?

PUTIN: It is truly unfortunate. The Palestinians are being destroyed. Israel is acting in a reckless manner. It shows the terrible double standards in the world. Where are the sanctions against Israel?

TUCKER: Is Russia involved in any way, especially through your alliance with Iran?

PUTIN: No. Absolutely not. We are not against Israel’s existence, but at the same time, we support the Palestinians’ right to self-determination. We want fairness.

TUCKER: Do you keep up with what’s happening at the US southern border?

PUTIN: Actually, yes. It’s part of my daily briefing. We Russians find it ironically amusing that their Congress would spend billions protecting foreign borders but neglect their own. It’s quietly ridiculous but deadly.

TUCKER: Deadly? How do you mean?

PUTIN: Deadly serious, of course. People are dying daily crossing their border in an uncontrolled manner. It’s open season for everyone. The world hasn’t seen anything like it in modern times – it’s irresponsible for a country to open itself up so widely.

TUCKER: Is Russia exploiting the border situation in any way?

PUTIN: No. Why would we? We don’t need to do anything. America is self-destructing. And as Napoleon said, never interfere with your enemy when he is in the process of destroying himself.

TUCKER: So then you see America as an enemy?

PUTIN: That was just a figure of speech, but the current administration is definitely not a friend.

TUCKER: Can that change?

PUTIN: That’s why there are elections.

TUCKER: Thank you again for continuing to engage with me on so many different topics. Can we get even more interesting, so to speak?

PUTIN: Certainly. I am open to most topics.

TUCKER: Let’s touch on climate change. It’s still being pushed in the US and Europe. What is your stance?

PUTIN: Humanity isn’t even a type 1 civilization on the Kardashev scale. If we can’t harness the energy potential of the planet, how can we control the climate?

TUCKER: Are you at least concerned?

PUTIN: I am more concerned about real problems. Climate change is not one of them. The Earth does a pretty good job of regulating itself. And if Siberia gets a little warmer, all the better. More agricultural land for Russia.

TUCKER: But what would you tell the true believers who are convinced we are heading towards catastrophe?

PUTIN: I would tell them worrying about climate change is like complaining about the weather. If you don’t like the climate, move. If you’re worried about the weather, get an umbrella.

TUCKER: In that vein, how do you view the transgender movement?

PUTIN: It’s interesting to me that all the things that used to be a target for extortion are now badges of honor. In Russia, there are no laws anyway, but we certainly don’t force our children into it.

TUCKER: Russia has been criticized for its gay laws and for being unfriendly to the LGBTQ+ community.

PUTIN: We have laws protecting our children. And we don’t drape our embassies in rainbow flags. That’s correct. Otherwise, we don’t interfere in the private lives of adult citizens.

TUCKER: Do you follow American sports? We’re about to have the Super Bowl.

PUTIN: Actually, yes. Russia is a great sports nation. We hosted the Winter Olympics and the World Cup quite recently. We enjoy all sports.

TUCKER: What do you think of American football?

PUTIN: It’s an interesting sport. But why do you call it football when the ball is almost always played with hands? It also seems unnecessarily violent at times.

TUCKER: That’s true. Will you be watching?

PUTIN: The game will not be shown in Russia.

TUCKER: So you won’t get to see Taylor Swift either then?

PUTIN: No. We’ve been granted a reprieve.

TUCKER: Thank you President Putin for your time.