Tucker Carlson admitted to NewsNation’s Chris Cuomo that he is “definitely more sympathetic” to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin than Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
In a preview clip of an interview that will air in full on Monday’s CUOMO at 8 p.m. ET, Cuomo noted that Carlson sounded “more sympathetic” to Russia as Ukraine continues to fight off an invasion from them. Carlson admitted that that is the case and claimed Russia is “thriving” amidst the war.
President Donald Trump threatened Russia with sanctions on Friday as part of his effort to bring the war to a close. He also butted heads with Zelensky during a recent White House visit during which he told him to be more grateful for U.S. aid in front of cameras.
“Putin does not have absolute control of his country, and they’re all kinds of potential rivals. He’s been there,” Carlson told Cuomo.
“You sound more sympathetic towards him than towards Zelensky,” Cuomo replied.
“I am definitely more sympathetic to Putin than Zelenskyy for the following reason: I think it’s fair to judge leaders on how they do for their country. They have one job. Do a good job for your country. Make it better,” Carlson said.
Carlson has interviewed Putin and showered Russia with praise during a 2024 visit to the country.
During a discussion with Glenn Beck following his trip to Moscow, Carlson denied being “pro-Putin.”
“I should just say at the outset, I’ve been accused of being pro-Putin, and I’m not. And if I was, that’s okay, too,” he said. “I’m an adult man, an American citizen, I can like or dislike anyone I want. I can have any opinion I want.”
Check out Carlson and Cuomo’s exchange below:
TUCKER CARLSON: Putin does not have absolute control of his country, and they’re all kinds of potential rivals. He’s been there.
CHRIS CUOMO: You sound more sympathetic towards him than towards Zelensky.
CARLSON: I am definitely more sympathetic to Putin than Zelenskyy for the following reason: I think it’s fair to judge leaders on how they do for their country. They have one job. Do a good job for your country. Make it better.
CUOMO: You think Russia is doing well?
CARLSON: Yeah. Doing, well, a lot better than Ukraine.
CUOMO: Well, yeah, they’re under siege right now.
CARLSON: No, but I’m just saying like Russia, actually, for a country at war, is thriving.
Watch above via NewsNation.
