Conservative commentator Tucker Carlson has argued that the United States is already effectively at war with Russia through its involvement in Ukraine. In an interview with RT, Carlson claimed current US policy is being driven by a small interventionist faction in Washington rather than by America's national interest, warning that continued escalation could eventually lead to a much broader conflict.
*An INR Report based on reporting by RT HERE
Carlson: "We Are at War"
Speaking on RT's East Meets West programme with Olga Bataman and Tara Reade, Carlson argued there is no convincing strategic, political or moral justification for the United States to be in conflict with Russia.
He claimed that Washington's involvement in Ukraine has evolved beyond support for Kyiv and now constitutes a proxy war with Moscow.
Carlson alleged that the CIA is involved in directing Ukrainian strikes inside Russia and stated:
"We are at war with Russia... It’s so reckless. It’s so destructive... but we are."
He argued that current US policy is being shaped by what he described as a "neocon war lobby" that has long favoured confrontation with Russia.
Warning of Escalation
Carlson warned that continued confrontation risks drawing the United States into a far larger conflict.
He argued that policies designed to weaken Russia have instead strengthened cooperation between Moscow and Beijing, potentially undermining Washington's long-term strategic position.
According to Carlson, those advocating further escalation fail to appreciate the economic and geopolitical costs that a direct confrontation with Russia could impose on the United States.
Criticism of Sanctions
Carlson also criticised Washington's expanding sanctions regime.
He described economic sanctions as another form of warfare and questioned why President Donald Trump had agreed to support tougher measures against Russia.
He specifically referred to the proposed Sanctioning Russia Act, which includes tariffs on countries continuing to purchase Russian energy and other resources.
Carlson argued these policies further increase tensions while reducing opportunities for a negotiated settlement.
A Political System Driven by Intervention?
During the interview Carlson argued that a relatively small group of foreign policy advocates continues to exert disproportionate influence over US decision-making.
He claimed this group favours continued military confrontation and warned that unless current policies change rapidly, the risk of a much larger international war could grow over the remainder of the decade.
Carlson suggested that restoring political accountability in Washington would be necessary before any lasting peace agreement could be achieved.
Does This Affect New Zealand?
Although geographically distant from the conflict, New Zealand is not insulated from the strategic and economic consequences of worsening tensions between NATO and Russia.
A broader confrontation could have implications for global trade, energy markets, inflation, shipping routes and defence policy throughout the Indo-Pacific. As a member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance and a close security partner of Western nations, New Zealand also faces ongoing questions about its diplomatic position, defence commitments and economic resilience should great-power tensions continue to escalate.
Carlson's comments represent his own assessment of US foreign policy rather than an official government position. They nevertheless contribute to an increasingly active debate within the United States over the direction of Washington's involvement in the Ukraine conflict and the potential risks of further escalation.
Source: RT — "US already at war with Russia – Tucker Carlson (VIDEO)" (Published 23 July 2026)