As of: February 12, 2024, 5:06 a.m
By: Marcus Giebel
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Vladimir Putin talks to Tucker Carlson about the Ukraine war and an imprisoned US reporter.
Observers think of the Tiergarten murder.
Moscow – Tucker Carlson's much-discussed interview also gave Vladimir Putin a welcome platform.
And the Kremlin boss knew how to use this to his advantage.
In a conversation with the former
Fox
journalist, who is known for conspiracy theories and false reports, he once again gave the impression that the end of the Ukraine war, longed for around the world, would only be prevented by the West.
Putin in Carlson's interview: Ukraine war and imprisoned US reporter as important topics
In addition, Putin apparently tried to divide the most important supporters of the neighboring country that was attacked on his orders.
When asked by Carlson about the US journalist Evan Gershkovich, who is in custody in Russia, he appeared to be “ready to talk”.
At the same time, the 71-year-old emphasized that there is a constant dialogue between the responsible authorities in Russia and the USA because of the person who has been detained since last March.
A possible prisoner exchange is also being discussed.
There have been deals like this in the past, “and this one too will probably be successful.”
But the important thing is: “We have to come to an agreement.” Further statements by Putin were interpreted by observers as meaning that he could expect Germany to release Vadim Krassikov in return.
Use the opportunity to convey your messages: For Vladimir Putin (r.), Tucker Carlson's interview came at just the right time.
© IMAGO / ITAR-TASS
Putin and the Tiergarten murder: Does the Kremlin boss want the convicted Krasikov back in return?
Such a demand would put the federal government in trouble.
The 58-year-old Russian secret service employee was sentenced to life imprisonment for the so-called Tiergarten murder on December 15, 2021. The Berlin Court of Appeal also determined the particular gravity of the guilt, meaning release after 15 years is not possible.
According to the court, Krasikov, who traveled to Berlin in 2019 under the code name Vadim Sokolow, shot the Georgian officer Selimkhan Changoshvili with two shots in the head and back on August 23, 2019.
It is assumed that he was sent to do this by the Russian state, i.e. by Putin.
In any case, Russia contributed remarkably little to solving the case.
Putin meets US journalist Carlson: “It makes no sense to keep Gershkovich in prison”
In a conversation with Carlson, the powerful man from Moscow apparently held out hope that the US journalist with Russian roots would be released.
“I do not rule out that Mr. Gershkovich will return to his homeland,” said Putin, opening the door and even allowing himself to state: “It makes no sense to keep him in prison in Russia.” Yet Russia is doing exactly that.
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Although US President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had already called for his release shortly after the arrest.
According to the White House, Moscow turned down an offer to release him in December.
Most recently, Gershkovich's pre-trial detention was extended until March 30, as the Russian news agency
Interfax
reported, citing the press department of the responsible court.
The 32-year-old would then have spent a year behind bars.
A prisoner of Russia for more than ten months: US journalist Evan Gershkovich is still in custody.
© IMAGO / ITAR-TASS
Putin gives hope for release of US reporter: one year in custody on espionage charges
The accusation against the
Wall Street Journal
reporter from New York City is espionage.
He is said to have collected information about the Russian arms industry.
Gershkovich and his employer vehemently deny these allegations.
In response to Putin's statements, the
Wall Street Journal
said: “We are encouraged by Russia's desire for a deal that brings Evan home.
And we hope that this will lead to his quick release and his return to his family and our newsroom.” The article also interprets the Russian ruler’s sentences in such a way that Krasikov would probably have to be released in return.
Will Germany hand over Krassikov to Russia after the Tiergarten murder?
Scholz leaves room for speculation
Even before the Putin interview, the USA assumed that the reporter would be used as a bargaining chip to free Russian spies abroad.
So in the end, is the federal government Gershkovich's best hope?
Chancellor Olaf Scholz had just visited Biden in Washington, and further aid in the wake of the Ukraine war seemed to be the dominant topic.
When asked, the SPD politician also had to deal with the alleged mind games surrounding a prisoner exchange between an arrested journalist and a convicted murderer.
His answer: “I believe that such delicate questions need to be discussed very confidentially in many places.” A sentence that certainly leaves room for speculation.
The head of the traffic light coalition became clearer in his general assessment of Putin's two-hour appearance.
Carlson conducted an interview for Scholz that “honestly just mocks what real actions have been taken by Russia in Ukraine and tells a completely absurd story about the cause of this war.”
Are confronted with a new topic because of Vladimir Putin: Olaf Scholz (l.) visited Joe Biden and also had to talk about the Tiergarten murder.
© IMAGO / Cover images
Prisoner exchange between Moscow and Berlin?
Putin apparently wants Krasikov free
Putin's mouthpiece could have shed some light on the matter.
But Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also didn't want to say whether his boss was talking about Krasikov without mentioning him by name: "I will leave this question unanswered."
So it's up to everyone to decide how to interpret Putin's statements.
The Russian president simply emphasized that there was someone serving a sentence in a country allied with the United States.
“This person, out of patriotic feelings, eliminated a bandit in a European capital,” he praised.
And: “Whether he did it of his own accord or not is another question.”
Changoshvili, who was shot by Krassikov, had fought in various military conflicts against Russia and supported Georgian and Ukrainian anti-terror authorities and US intelligence services.
Putin accused him of involvement in the attacks on the Moscow metro and called him a “criminal and murderer.”
Putin and convicted murderer Krassikov: Kremlin boss worries Washington and Berlin
Exactly what Krassikov represents from a German perspective.
It's hard to imagine that the federal government would give in and agree to a prisoner exchange under these conditions.
But at least Putin seems to have succeeded in making Washington and Berlin think.
After all, it wouldn't be the first time that Putin made an attempt to get Krasikov released.
In return, Moscow is said to have already offered to transfer prominent Kremlin opponents.
(mg)