Anton Tkachev, the First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Information Policy, Information Technologies and Communications, framed Vladislav Davankov’s proposal to unblock the social network X (Twitter) after Vladimir Putin’s interview with Tucker Carlson as a reasonable proposal. In remarks shared with socialbites.ca, Tkachev noted that appeals to Roskomnadzor have been made repeatedly and that the American platform has shown a willingness to comply with the requirements of the so‑called landing law. He also suggested that all other social networks currently blocked in Russia should be opened in tandem, arguing that public dialogue can lead to a clearer understanding of events when diverse voices are heard and debated.
TKachev emphasized the need to focus on international platforms as well. He argued that, based on past experience, Western and European countries can restrict access to what they consider independent coverage after high‑profile interviews with Russian leadership. According to him, Roskomnadzor’s proactive steps could create an environment in which information is more accessible to a broad audience, including those using VPN services to bypass blocks. He stressed the importance of providing opportunities to unblock international digital platforms where individuals can freely express their opinions. The deputy noted that such steps should be viewed not as signaling a special or friendly stance toward any single outlet, but as a move toward ensuring that a multiplicity of viewpoints is available, allowing truth to emerge from dialogue across different communities.
Reports indicate that on February 9, the X platform hosted an interview with American television host Tucker Carlson, featuring Vladimir Putin as the guest. In the aftermath, Vladislav Davankov proposed restoring access to the blocked network for the Russian audience. He argued that the publication of Putin’s exclusive interview with Carlson demonstrates the network’s neutrality and its potential to present a balanced view of events when allowed to operate without unilateral restrictions. This perspective dovetails with broader discussions about how information channels can influence public understanding and national discourse when platforms are accessible across borders and jurisdictions.
Earlier, the post detailing Putin’s interview with Carlson reached a view count that exceeded one hundred million, highlighting the scale of engagement such conversations can generate. The episode underscored the intense public interest in direct conversations with global leaders and the role digital platforms play in shaping the narrative around national affairs. Observers note that the debate over access is not solely about technical blocking and unblocking; it also concerns how societies balance security considerations with the right to information, how regulators respond to rapid changes in media ecosystems, and how online forums can support informed civic participation. The discussion continues to unfold as policymakers weigh the potential benefits of unblocking with the responsibilities that come with safeguarding users and national information ecosystems.