Letters | Tucker Carlson was right to interview Putin

Readers discuss criticism of an American television host’s decision to interview the Russian president, and the European Union’s approach to Hungary

Reading Time:2 minutes

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during an interview with US television host Tucker Carlson in Moscow on February 6, in this still image taken from video released February 8. Photo: Tucker Carlson Network/Handout

Published: 2:30pm, 14 Feb 2024Updated: 8:49pm, 14 Feb 2024

Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at [email protected] or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification.

With regard to “Ukraine war: Putin gave ex-Fox News host Tucker Carlson interview because he differs from Western media, Kremlin says” (February 9), the essence of democracy and debate is the willingness to listen to differing points of view even if you disagree with them.

Citizens of Western countries have lost the ability to debate as they are just not being properly informed by Big Tech and the mainstream media which controls the information they receive via censorship. Thus, we have also lost the ability to resolve conflicts via diplomacy which leaves war – brutal war that may lead to the end of humanity – as the only option.

It’s a very sad day for the world when you have to actually justify interviewing anyone – particularly one of the world’s most powerful leaders. Kudos to Tucker Carlson for practising one of the core fundamental tenets of true journalism by interviewing Vladimir Putin despite massive criticism from the Western media.

Michael Pravica, Henderson, Nevada

EU shows true colours with bullying of Hungary

The European Union’s recently revealed plans to threaten Hungary with economic warfare unless it accepted the European Commission’s foreign policy diktats must shatter any illusion that the EU, which purports to promote democracy and good governance, is a force for good in the world. This egregious attack on Hungarian sovereignty goes far beyond a spat over EU funding and astonishingly included plans to attack the Hungarian currency and damage investor confidence.