Tucker Carlson interview: Nato rejects Russia

In the interview with Tucker Carlson, Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed Russia's relationship with NATO and shared insights into past interactions and current perspectives. Putin recounted a conversation with former U.S. President Bill Clinton, where he inquired about Russia's potential to join NATO. According to Putin, Clinton initially seemed open to the idea but later retracted, citing it as not possible at the time. Putin expressed disappointment, highlighting that despite Russia's efforts to align more closely with Western economic and political systems, promises regarding NATO's eastward expansion were not honored. He pointed out that NATO expanded eastward five times, despite Russia's appeals against it.

Putin also addressed the narrative of Russia as a threat to NATO countries, suggesting that "smart people" do not believe in the narrative that NATO leadership uses to intimidate their populations with an imaginary Russian threat. Specifically, regarding potential aggression towards NATO member states, Putin clarified that Russia has no interest in attacking countries like Poland or Latvia, stating that Russia would only send troops to these countries if they attacked Russia first. He emphasized that Russia simply has no interest in engaging in conflict with these nations.