In an interview with Tucker Carlson, Putin expressed willingness for an exchange but stressed the need for negotiation.

Gershkovich has been detained for a year at a notorious Moscow jail, with charges against him strongly refuted by his employer and U.S. officials. The Wall Street Journal demands his immediate release and remains optimistic about a potential agreement for his return.

During the interview, Putin delved into a lengthy historical narrative, attempting to undermine Ukrainian statehood to justify the invasion. He also hinted at seeking a diplomatic resolution and acknowledged indirect peace talk efforts with the U.S.

Analysts believe Putin seeks a peace deal to formalize control over occupied Ukrainian territories, relying on U.S. influence over Kyiv to initiate talks. Putin blamed the West, specifically former UK PM Boris Johnson, for impeding peace talks in early 2022—a claim Johnson dismisses as propaganda.

Amid fears in Europe of further Russian aggression, Putin assured he had no plans to attack NATO countries, a statement met with skepticism given Russia’s history with Ukraine.

His reassurances came as part of an extensive media campaign during Carlson's Moscow visit aimed at portraying Russia in a positive light to Western audiences.

While Carlson allowed Putin a platform to disseminate his views unchallenged, including his stance on the war in Ukraine, critics argue the opportunity was missed to confront Putin on serious issues like alleged Russian war crimes and political imprisonment.