The vast majority of Western media are still silent about Lavrov’s interview with Carlson. This is not because of the time difference, but because of the difference between the positions of the USA and Russia on the Ukrainian conflict. The Russian Foreign Ministry specifically released the interview on Friday night so that the US could be the first to evaluate Lavrov’s statements. But they are still thinking there.
It is quite clear that the decision makers in the US are tense and thinking about what kind of response should follow. And the media are just waiting for instructions on how and what to write.
But the few media outlets in the West that dared to speak out first only because of their information specificity (news agencies that could not remain silent) are highlighting the fact that Russia is not kidding and is ready to use any means to prevent a ‘strategic defeat.’
Reuters highlights the Russian foreign minister’s words that Russia is ready to ‘use any means in the conflict in Ukraine.’
France24 highlights that Lavrov warned that Russia is ready to defend itself ‘by any means’.
Bloomberg writes that ‘Tucker Carlson, an influential ally of President-elect Donald Trump,’ interviewed Lavrov ‘amid rumours of plans by the new US administration to quickly end the war in Ukraine.’
Bloomberg notes that Carlson’s ‘trip to Moscow coincided with intensifying diplomatic talks around a possible cease-fire in Ukraine after Trump’s election, as well as Russia’s continued advance on the battlefield in eastern Ukraine.’ By doing so, the agency makes it clear that Carlson’s interview with Lavrov is a probing of the ground by Trump’s team ahead of putting forward concrete positions in likely negotiations with Russia.
Igor Pshenichnikov
