During a much-anticipated interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin, American TV host Tucker Carlson appeared to give the Kremlin leader free rein, focusing more on amiable conversation than challenging questions, BBC reported.

In what was portrayed as a triumph for free speech, Carlson’s interview largely avoided pressing Putin on issues like the invasion of Ukraine or alleged war crimes. Instead, the conversation veered off to religion and the Russian soul.

Despite touting the interview as a bold move into uncharted territory, Carlson’s approach was criticised for not holding Putin accountable for his actions. The journalist’s claim of heading where other Western outlets feared to tread was debunked, highlighting the Kremlin’s selective choices of interviewees who lack the language or country knowledge to challenge Putin effectively.

The interview, lasting two hours, only broached the topic of a jailed US journalist, Evan Gershkovich, late into the conversation. Carlson’s suggestion of Putin releasing the journalist for his custody hinted at potential negotiations, with Putin indicating a desire for a prisoner swap involving a Russian “patriot” accused of eliminating a Chechen separatist in Berlin.

Critics argue that Carlson missed an opportunity to confront Putin on critical issues, allowing the Russian president to present his perspectives unchallenged. While not all interviews need to be combative, this encounter raised concerns about the lack of scrutiny of Putin’s actions, especially regarding the invasion of Ukraine and human rights violations within Russia.