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"Putin's Softball Interview with Tucker Carlson Sparks Controversy Over Ukraine Negotiations"

Russian President Putin urges the US to persuade Ukraine to engage in talks, hinting at a potential prisoner swap involving imprisoned Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and a Russian agent in Germany. Putin defended Russia's invasion of Ukraine, claiming it was necessary to protect Russian speakers and prevent Ukraine from joining NATO. He criticized Ukraine's refusal to negotiate and called on the US to stop supplying weapons to Kyiv. The interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson marked Putin's first with a Western media figure since the invasion. The Wall Street Journal reaffirmed Gershkovich's innocence and expressed hope for his release.