Putin expresses disappointment over softball questions from Tucker Carlson

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed surprise and disappointment over the recent interview with US television host Tucker Carlson, criticising the lack of sharp questions that would have allowed him to respond more pointedly.

In a candid revelation to Russian TV interviewer Pavel Zarubin, Putin disclosed his expectation of a more aggressive approach from Carlson.

“To be honest, I thought that he would behave aggressively and ask so-called sharp questions. I was not just prepared for this, I wanted it because it would give me the opportunity to respond in the same way,” Putin said in comments broadcast on Wednesday.

During his first interview with an American journalist after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine nearly two years ago, Putin took the opportunity to lecture Carlson on history.

Expressing surprise at Carlson’s minimal interruptions, Putin admitted, “Frankly, I did not get full satisfaction from this interview.”

The Kremlin clarified that Putin agreed to the Carlson interview due to the host’s differing approach from what they perceived as “one-sided” reporting on the Ukraine conflict by many Western news outlets.

Meanwhile, body language experts weighed in on Putin’s demeanour during the interview. Professor Erik Bucy, a body language professional, observed signs of discomfort in Putin’s posture, citing twitching feet, fidgety hands, and a sagging appearance. Bucy suggested that Putin appeared “emaciated” and “not completely comfortable in his own skin.”

While another expert claimed Putin seemed “dominant” throughout, Bucy highlighted Putin’s discomfort in comparison to the relaxed demeanour of the American TV pundit.

“Putin does not sit as comfortably as Carlson, nor does he show as much bodily discipline,” Bucy explained, pointing to Putin’s foot circling as a possible sign of nervousness or physical discomfort.