Russia’s defeat in the war in Ukraine is “impossible by definition,” Russian President Vladimir Putin said during an interview this week with American host Tucker Carlson that aired Thursday afternoon in the U.S. :00 Greek time).

“There have been rumblings that a strategic defeat must be inflicted on Russia on the battlefield,” the Russian president said. “In my opinion, this is impossible by definition. It will never happen.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ruled out the possibility of his country’s armed forces invading Poland or Latvia, countries where Russia has “no interests”.

“We have no interests in Poland, Latvia, or elsewhere. Why would we do this? We simply have no interest (…) There is no question,” replied the Russian president when asked if “you can imagine a scenario in which you would send Russian troops to Poland.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin considers a possible “deal” for the release of American journalist Evan Gershovitch

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said a deal is likely to be reached to free American journalist Evan Gershkovich, who has been held in Russia for nearly a year.

“I think we can reach an agreement,” he said. “There are no taboos in settling this issue. We are ready to resolve it, but some terms are under discussion through the channels of the special services,” he added.