Ukraine war updates: Tucker Carlson reportedly leaves Russia; Zelenskyy appoints new army chief

U.S. journalist Tucker Carlson has reportedly left Russia following his interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin, while Ukraine remains conspicuously silent on his request to interview the country’s leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Russian online news outlet Mash published a photo of Carlson purportedly on a night flight from Moscow to Belgrade, Russian news agency Tass reported Thursday. CNBC was unable to verify the report.

The former Fox News host was spotted in Moscow earlier this week, fueling speculation that he was in Russia’s capital to interview Putin. Carlson — who has expressed support for Russia — and the Kremlin confirmed that he had met and interviewed Putin Tuesday.

The interview will be broadcast later Thursday on X and Carlson’s media startup at 18:00 ET.

Elsewhere, Zelenskyy announced a new top team for the Ukrainian Armed forces Thursday, writing in a post on Telegram.

General Oleksandr Syrskyi was named as the new commander-in-chief.

See the full post below translated by NBC News:

I am grateful to General Zaluzhnyy for two years of defense. I am thankful for every victory we have achieved together and thanks to all Ukrainian soldiers who heroically bear this war on themselves. We openly discussed today what changes are needed in the army. Urgent changes. I proposed to General Zaluzhny to continue together in the team of the Ukrainian state. I will be grateful for his consent.

Starting today, a new management team is taking over the leadership of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. I want the vision of the war to be unified among our soldiers in Robotyne or Avdiivka, as well as in the General Staff and at the Headquarters. I have had dozens of conversations with commanders of various levels. In particular, today I spoke with Brigadier Generals Andriy Hnatov, Mykhailo Drapaty, Ihor Skybiuk, and Colonels Pavlo Palysia and Vadym Sukharevskyy. They are all considered for leadership positions in the army and will serve under the leadership of the most experienced Ukrainian commander. He has successful experience in defense - he led the Kyiv Defense Operation. He also has successful experience in offense - the Kharkiv Liberation Operation. I have appointed Lieutenant General Syrskyy as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Today, I also spoke with Generals Moisyuk and Zabrodskyy. Their experience is in service to the state.

2024 can be successful for Ukraine only if effective changes are made in the foundation of our defense, which is the Armed Forces of Ukraine