
© YouTubeComputer scientist and podcaster Lex Fridman.
The Kremlin has confirmed that renowned US podcaster Lex Fridman has been in talks with Moscow about organizing an interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Earlier this week,
Fridman announced on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast that he was planning to travel to Russia to interview Putin as part of his personal mission to promote peace in the Ukraine conflict.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday, spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed contact, saying: "
We are in touch. He contacted us. He said he would like to come to Moscow... to discuss the possibility of an interview with the president." He noted that Fridman, who grew up in the Russian capital, is "from our parts."
However, Peskov pointed out that the podcaster is aware that any such meeting is not a "a matter of the near future," noting that
Putin does not currently have the need to give an interview.
"There must be some conditions that require additional clarification. At the very least,
he will be one of those whom we will consider and propose to the president. But so far there are no precise agreements on this matter," Peskov said, adding that Fridman would nevertheless be welcome to visit Moscow.
"I'm aware of the risks, I accept the risks, and the goal, the mission is to just push for peace," Fridman told Rogan.
Fridman previously interviewed Ukraine's Vladimir Zelensky, whom he has described as a man that "lifted a whole nation" but also "struggled to make peace." In a video address on Monday, t
he podcaster said he was ultimately disappointed with the Ukrainian leader for using the three-hour interview to verbally attack Putin with "very crude words" instead of taking the opportunity to "signal willingness to negotiate."
Comment: Whatever the reason, it's certainly worth noting!